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| 0593548523
| 9780593548523
| B09ZQ9PTH9
| 3.72
| 2,489
| Sep 06, 2022
| Dec 06, 2022
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/09/26/... Rachel Harrison continues to impress me, and the fact that I enjoyed Bad Dol 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/09/26/... Rachel Harrison continues to impress me, and the fact that I enjoyed Bad Dolls so much says a lot! Short fiction isn’t typically my format of choice, but after the great time I had with both the author’s novels The Return and Cackle, I thought it worthwhile to give her horror story collection a try when I was offered an early listening copy from Penguin Audio. And I’m so glad I did. Reply Hazy, Try Again This first story follows an indecisive young woman who impulsively buys a Magic 8 ball from a flea market. At first, our protagonist treats the whole thing like a joke, posing random advice-seeking questions to the toy just to see the replies she’ll get. Soon though, the ball appears to take on a mind of its own, one that impossibly seems to know more than it should. As creepy as this all sounds, the story is actually quite light on horror and more focused on human drama, touching upon subjects like work, life, and relationships. The idea behind it is very unique though, and I liked that there was a strong paranormal or uncanny element. Bachelorette This was perhaps my favorite story of the collection. “If I’d been told in advance about the blood sacrifice, I would have made up an excuse not to attend the bachelorette party.” Best first line ever! Our main character Natalie is invited to the bachelorette party of her childhood best friend, Haley. The two women have always been close, but ever since Haley moved away for college and made new friends, Natalie has started worrying about them drifting apart. So when one of Haley’s sorority sisters rents a beautiful rustic cottage for the bachelorette weekend, Natalie makes a valiant effort to participate in all the activities and pretend she is enjoying herself for Haley’s sake, even though she feels like an outsider the entire time. Still, even best friends have their limits, and there are definitely lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Many of Rachel Harrison’s stories are centered on female friendships, and this tale was no exception, looking at the evolution of relationships and how people’s lives change over time. Lots of complex feelings explored in this one too, especially the main character’s insecurities and personal fears. Plenty of humor was involved, and the relatability of Natalie’s voice also made this story very easy to get into, helped by the amazing performance of the audiobook narrator. Goblin A woman and her friend decide to try out a trendy new app that claims to be able to help them with their dieting goals, except our main character is someone who has recently recovered from an eating disorder. Supposedly, this app works by summoning an adorable little goblin-like mascot to give you encouragement anytime you need a bit of motivation or moral support. Our protagonist thinks there must be something seriously wrong with her app though, since her goblin turns out to be a nasty piece of work. I struggled a bit with this one, trying to wrap my head around the basic concept. In the end, I liked it, but it’s also the perfect example of a short story that could have greatly benefited from being longer, just so the ideas and the world and the characters could have been more fleshed out. Bad Dolls In this story, a woman returns to her hometown following the death of her little sister to be closer to her family. After going through and tidying up the things in the room that she is renting, she finds a mysterious old porcelain doll which no one seems to know to whom it belonged or where it came from. Out of the offerings in this collection, this tale had the closest feel to a traditional horror story. Dolls have always creeped me out, so this one definitely gave me chills. Like “Goblin”, I think “Bad Dolls” could have been longer, simply because there’s enough content here beyond the horror aspects to warrant a full-length novel, such as the depth of themes involved like family, grief, and sacrifice. All told though, I highly recommend this collection, whether you’re an existing fan of Rachel Harrison or are completely new to her work. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest starting with an author’s short stories but I’m making an exception with this book because, short as they are, the tales within are a very good reflection of Harrison’s knack for storytelling and her fun twists on horror. Everything she writes is now a must-read for me. Merged review: 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/09/26/... Rachel Harrison continues to impress me, and the fact that I enjoyed Bad Dolls so much says a lot! Short fiction isn’t typically my format of choice, but after the great time I had with both the author’s novels The Return and Cackle, I thought it worthwhile to give her horror story collection a try when I was offered an early listening copy from Penguin Audio. And I’m so glad I did. Reply Hazy, Try Again This first story follows an indecisive young woman who impulsively buys a Magic 8 ball from a flea market. At first, our protagonist treats the whole thing like a joke, posing random advice-seeking questions to the toy just to see the replies she’ll get. Soon though, the ball appears to take on a mind of its own, one that impossibly seems to know more than it should. As creepy as this all sounds, the story is actually quite light on horror and more focused on human drama, touching upon subjects like work, life, and relationships. The idea behind it is very unique though, and I liked that there was a strong paranormal or uncanny element. Bachelorette This was perhaps my favorite story of the collection. “If I’d been told in advance about the blood sacrifice, I would have made up an excuse not to attend the bachelorette party.” Best first line ever! Our main character Natalie is invited to the bachelorette party of her childhood best friend, Haley. The two women have always been close, but ever since Haley moved away for college and made new friends, Natalie has started worrying about them drifting apart. So when one of Haley’s sorority sisters rents a beautiful rustic cottage for the bachelorette weekend, Natalie makes a valiant effort to participate in all the activities and pretend she is enjoying herself for Haley’s sake, even though she feels like an outsider the entire time. Still, even best friends have their limits, and there are definitely lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Many of Rachel Harrison’s stories are centered on female friendships, and this tale was no exception, looking at the evolution of relationships and how people’s lives change over time. Lots of complex feelings explored in this one too, especially the main character’s insecurities and personal fears. Plenty of humor was involved, and the relatability of Natalie’s voice also made this story very easy to get into, helped by the amazing performance of the audiobook narrator. Goblin A woman and her friend decide to try out a trendy new app that claims to be able to help them with their dieting goals, except our main character is someone who has recently recovered from an eating disorder. Supposedly, this app works by summoning an adorable little goblin-like mascot to give you encouragement anytime you need a bit of motivation or moral support. Our protagonist thinks there must be something seriously wrong with her app though, since her goblin turns out to be a nasty piece of work. I struggled a bit with this one, trying to wrap my head around the basic concept. In the end, I liked it, but it’s also the perfect example of a short story that could have greatly benefited from being longer, just so the ideas and the world and the characters could have been more fleshed out. Bad Dolls In this story, a woman returns to her hometown following the death of her little sister to be closer to her family. After going through and tidying up the things in the room that she is renting, she finds a mysterious old porcelain doll which no one seems to know to whom it belonged or where it came from. Out of the offerings in this collection, this tale had the closest feel to a traditional horror story. Dolls have always creeped me out, so this one definitely gave me chills. Like “Goblin”, I think “Bad Dolls” could have been longer, simply because there’s enough content here beyond the horror aspects to warrant a full-length novel, such as the depth of themes involved like family, grief, and sacrifice. All told though, I highly recommend this collection, whether you’re an existing fan of Rachel Harrison or are completely new to her work. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest starting with an author’s short stories but I’m making an exception with this book because, short as they are, the tales within are a very good reflection of Harrison’s knack for storytelling and her fun twists on horror. Everything she writes is now a must-read for me. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Sep 02, 2022
not set
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Sep 03, 2022
not set
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Sep 21, 2024
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ebook
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| 0593600355
| 9780593600351
| 0593600355
| 4.11
| 602
| Sep 17, 2024
| Sep 17, 2024
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liked it
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 21, 2024
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Sep 23, 2024
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Sep 01, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 1668060582
| 9781668060582
| 1668060582
| 4.29
| 38,404
| May 21, 2024
| May 21, 2024
|
really liked it
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3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2024/08/07/... As always, Stephen King’s short fiction collections can be a mixed bag. Wh 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2024/08/07/... As always, Stephen King’s short fiction collections can be a mixed bag. While some are absolute gems, others feel like he rummaged through his desk drawer and dredged up some old and half-baked drafts to fill up the rest of the book. The important thing is that the quality and quantity of the good ones mostly outweighed the bad. My thoughts on them below: Two Talented Bastids – A journalist profiles two long-time friends who both became successful artists in their middle age. Much has been made about their sudden rise to fame at around the same time, and some say it had to be more than just luck and talent. Indeed, the story delves into the mysterious circumstances around a hunting trip that occurred with the two men were younger, revealing a otherworldly encounter that changed the course of their lives and careers. This was one of the longer stories, filled with eerie and surreal surprises. I enjoyed its unique perspective on art and talent, which was a little unsettling but also thought-provoking. 4 of 5 stars. The Fifth Step – Harold Jamieson is sitting on a park bench reading his paper when he is approached by a stranger who reveals he is a recovering alcoholic trying to complete the 12-step program. He is on step five, where he must admit his wrongdoings, and has chosen Harold upon whom to unburden himself. This was one of the shorter stories, but packed a shocking punch at the end that I did not see coming! Very disturbing, but so very King. 4 of 5 stars. Willie the Weirdo – Willie is a strange little kid who creeps out his sister and his family. He’s always doing weird things like staring at clouds and collecting dead insects. However, Willie shares a strong bond with his grandfather, who tells the boy seemingly farfetched stories from his youth. Maybe it was because I listened to the audiobook, but I had to go over the ending several times to make sure I understood it. It was so predictable that I thought there just had to be another hook. Nope, it was just a “blah” story. 2 of 5 stars. Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream – The title character, a high school custodian, goes to sleep one night and has a vivid dream about finding a corpse of a woman. Remembering the details, he is able to find the exact location in his dream, and lo and behold, he also discovers the woman’s body right where he dreamt it. Worried that no one would believe him, Danny calls it in anonymously, but the police end up tracking him down anyway and make him their prime suspect. Danny’s only hope is to get through to Inspector Ella Davis, the only one on the force who might hear him out before the real killer can strike again. Another long one, true novella length, but it was so good I could not put it down. From feeling sympathetic towards Danny to being completely addicted to the tension and suspense, I was hooked. A great blend of action and supernatural. 4.5 of 5 stars. Finn – Finn has the worst luck. Misfortune just seems to follow him around, and it’s been like this ever since he was a small boy. Case in point, as a teenager, while running home from his girlfriend’s house, he collides with another young man who looks a lot like him. Maybe you can see where this is going. But this story about a case of mistaken identity isn’t so simple, as Finn is kidnapped and violently interrogated by a group of mysterious men. This one could have been so much more, but instead, it felt like King had an idea that just failed to develop. Not sure this one had much of a point. 2 of 5 stars. On Slide Inn Road – The Brown family are on a road trip to visit a sick relative when their journey is waylaid by a washed-out road. As dad Frank tries to turn the car around though, he backs it into a ditch. Billy and his sister go exploring around the ruins of the nearby Slide Inn, and witness something they were not supposed to see. This was a good story, but underwhelming as well, in the sense that anyone could have written it. I mean, way to go, Grandpop, but I have to say I expected more from King. 3 of 5 stars. Red Screen – NYPD detective Frank and his wife Sandi are an aging couple who are experiencing some troubles in their marriage. What a hot mess this “story” was, a waste of time, completely unsatisfying and barely coherent. 1 of 5 stars. The Turbulence Expert – What is a “turbulence expert?” It is an agent for a secret organization that can predict clear air turbulence, sent to fly on flights that will encounter this terrifying phenomenon. Dixon is one of these experts who is called in for a “mission” as he reflects upon the traumatic aspects of his job. I found myself feeling quite ambivalent towards this story, though the concept behind it was admittedly fascinating. Whatever you do though, just don’t read this while flying. 3 of 5 stars. Laurie – A retiree named Llyod becomes severely depressed after becoming a widower, but his life turns around when his sister gifts him a puppy which he names Laurie. Lloyd gradually bonds with the border collie mix, and for the first half this one reads like a dog lover’s dream about the precious relationship between a man and his four-legged best friend. Then the other shoe drops, and things end on a shocking twist. To be honest, I can’t stand it when authors pull these kinds of stunts, but hey at least I got a good dog story out of it. 3 of 5 stars. Rattlesnakes – This story is kind of a follow-up of Cujo, featuring Vic Trenton decades after the tragic events involving the rabid St. Bernard. Weathering the Covid pandemic, Vic finds himself holed up off Florida’s Gulf Coast acquainting himself with his neighbors. One of them, an elderly woman named Alita, pushes an empty stroller along the road daily, seemingly believing that her long-dead four-year-old twins are still alive. This was a gut-wrenching story with connections to a couple works by Stephen King, but even though I have not read them, I still enjoyed myself. One of the better stories in this collection, containing poignant messages about grief and closure. 4 of 5 stars. The Dreamers – It is the early 70s, and Vietnam veteran William returns from the war to land a job as a stenographer assisting a scientist performing eldritch experiments. Gotta love it when Stephen King tackles cosmic horror. Grotesque and captivating. 4 of 5 stars. The Answer Man – It is 1937. Driving down a remote stretch of highway, Phil Parker, a newly minted lawyer spies a sign advertising services for “The Answer Man.” Intrigued, he stops by and pays the non-descript man behind a simple roadside stall $25 to answer any question for five minutes. But this appears to be more than just a scam or gimmick. The man seems to know things he shouldn’t, giving correct responses to questions about Phil’s life that no one else should be privy to. Not only that, but the man is also able to provide answers to questions about Phil’s future, and though it shouldn’t be possible, events end up playing out exactly the way he said they would. Easily one of my top three stories in this collection. It had everything that makes a classic King story: the supernatural, nostalgia, beauty and despair. The bittersweetness was a fine way to end the book. 5 of 5 stars. Audiobook Comments: I wouldn’t call Will Patton one of my favorite narrators as I sometimes find the pitch and cadence of his voice difficult to understand. However, I can also see why he is beloved among Stephen King fans. His accents are superb and there is a certain gravity to his performance that lends a great vibe to King’s stories. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 26, 2024
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Jun 27, 2024
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Nov 07, 2023
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1803365315
| 9781803365312
| 1803365315
| 3.79
| 1,312
| Apr 25, 2014
| Jul 18, 2023
|
really liked it
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3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/09/14/... As you might know, while I’m not really one to pick up short story collectio 3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/09/14/... As you might know, while I’m not really one to pick up short story collections, I do try to make the odd exception for my favorite authors like Ronald Malfi. This is also not the first collection that I’ve read by him. Last year, I read Ghostwritten, a collection containing four separate and self-contained stories which were set in the same world and united by a common theme—the written word—and it was so enjoyable that I felt pretty good about picking up a second volume of his collected novellas. But this one, called They Lurk, features five stories with tenuous links that don’t feel as though they share that same kind of cohesiveness, likely because most of them were curated from Malfi’s older work with only one new for this collection. I also didn’t enjoy the selection as much. A couple of the offerings were on the more forgettable side, failing to make a lasting impression. For me, only the first and last one really stood out. Skullbelly A private detective has been hired to investigate the case of three teenagers who disappeared into the woods, while a fourth emerged in shock and covered in blood. Naturally, suspicion has fallen upon the survivor, but our detective knows there has to be more to the story. Like I said, this tale was one of the better ones, and it was good that the book started on a strong note. “Skullbelly” positively gave me the creeps, and I do love myself a bloody mystery. The only downside was that it ended rather abruptly, an underwhelming conclusion to a story that had so much promise in its mood and atmosphere. The Separation A therapist named Marcus is called to Germany to help his newly divorced friend Charlie who has fallen into a deep depression. But can his condition really be blamed on the failed marriage, or is something more bizarre and sinister going on? This one was more on the strange and abstract side, admittedly not my style at all. Not going to lie, I was pretty happy to see the back of this one, but your mileage may vary as this was probably more of a case of “it’s me, not the story.” The Stranger David and Rhonda had only been together for a short time when they decided to go on a road trip and ended up in the parking lot of a rural Florida motel. Upon his return to his car, David finds a stranger inside—with the doors locked, a gun on the dashboard—refusing to come out even after the police have been called. Another really weird story, this one could have been better if there had been a more powerful build-up considering we’re really just working with one scene. For me, the most memorable aspects of “The Stranger” were the graphic details and the insufferable nature of the characters. Nothing to write home about. After the Fade A woman walks into a bar and promptly drops dead, revealing an icky bug-like creature attached to the base of her skull. The rest of the patrons are left horrified and trapped inside the pub, forced to watch as the apocalypse unfolds outside. Kind of like Alien meets The Mist, this was a very “throwaway” type of horror story, but it was also all kinds of awesome and fun. Fierce The newest story of the bunch and presumably written for this collection, “Fierce” is about a teenage girl named Connie and her mother desperately fighting for survival after their car crashes in snowy weather. But the elements turn out to be the least of their worries. A dangerous killer is hunting them, and Connie is reminded of another time when she and her mom had to escape a monster. Ronald Malfi has gotten better as time goes on, and it really shows. Of all the stories here, this last one was the most complex, featuring flashbacks and character growth. It was also the most well put together and cohesive, with a proper ending that was actually quite touching, while leaving just the right amount of ambiguity. I wish all the stories had been of the same high caliber. I also think that the publication of They Lurk may have been a hasty decision following the success of Ghostwritten. While I know it is somewhat unfair to compare the two, the common theme behind all the novellas in Ghostwritten was a highlight and main selling point, in stark contrast with They Lurk where the stories have the feel of being thrown haphazardly together. As such, I can only recommend this for Ronald Malfi fans who need something to tide them over until his next book. For newcomers to his work, his more recent novels are more indicative of his amazing talent for telling horror and mystery stories, and even novella and short fiction format readers would find Ghostwritten to be a better collection. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 21, 2023
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Aug 22, 2023
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Feb 23, 2023
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Paperback
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| 0063136058
| 9780063136052
| 0063136058
| 3.81
| 18,819
| Sep 13, 2022
| Sep 13, 2022
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liked it
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3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/12/26/... Marple: Twelve New Mysteries is a collection of stories featuring Jane Mar 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/12/26/... Marple: Twelve New Mysteries is a collection of stories featuring Jane Marple, the much-adored fictional detective created by Agatha Christie, given new life here in this anthology by twelve different contemporary writers. I must confess though, I’m not too familiar with the character or the original stories, but from what I do know I could tell the authors did an admirable job attempting to recreate the overall vibes of the source as well as Christie’s style. Each tale also brought something fresh to the table, perhaps a little of each writer’s personality and perspective. That being said, not all the stories worked for me. Most did, but only a few were standouts, with the majority being middle-of-the-road or just okay. Evil in Small Places by Lucy Foley was one of my favorites, and a great opener to this collection. Miss Marple makes a visit to an old friend and winds up having to solve the curious murder of a former singer. I loved the classic feel of this one. The Second Murder at the Vicarage by Val McDermid was told from the vicar’s point of view and really showcases the effortless genius of Miss Marple as she shows up the local constabulary by figuring out who the murderer is. This was another good one, with subtle humor and charm. Miss Marple Takes Manhattan by Alyssa Cole takes our protagonist to New York City with her nephew, and maybe it’s the change in setting and some of the more eccentric side characters, but this one did not feel very reminiscent of a Miss Marple story, not to mention there was barely a “mystery” to speak of. The Unravelling by Natalie Haynes begins with the death of a farm worker, and the mystery is that no one can figure out why the murderer did it. This was one of the more unmemorable stories, with nothing really standing out so I was happy to just move on. Miss Marple’s Christmas by Ruth Ware was one of the good ones! And no surprise, given this author. In this story, Miss Marple is on the case of some missing pearls, and the mystery appears to pull in a lot of elements from classic detective stories. On top of being one of my favorites, this tale was also the most fun while still staying true to the source material. The Open Mind by Naomi Alderman follows Miss Marple as she attends a fancy dinner with a group of academics at Oxford. This is another story that fell into the unmemorable pile—serviceable but nothing to write home about. The Jade Empress by Jean Kwok is another tale that takes our protagonist abroad, this time on a cruise ship to Hong Kong. Unlike Miss Marple Takes Manhattan though, this one retains the classic feel of the Marple stories, and the mystery involving two victims and a family entanglement had a very nostalgic vibe to it. A Deadly Wedding Day by Dreda Say Mitchell takes place at a wedding reception where a baffling murder has occurred. The highlight of this one was no doubt Miss Bella, and the team up between the two characters. Murder at the Villa Rosa by Elly Griffiths was a little unconventional, but very clever. In this story, a struggling writer goes to an Italian retreat hoping for some inspiration and meets some interesting guests along the way, including Miss Marple. Definitely one of my favorites as well. The Murdering Sort by Karen M. McManus is told from the point-of-view of Miss Marple’s great grand niece Nicola, whose friend’s grandfather has just been murdered. Because of the age of the narrator, this one had a charming YA feel to it. Not one of the best stories in this collection, but it had an easy flow and I enjoyed it. The Mystery of the Acid Soil by Kate Mosse follows Miss Marple as she embarks on a train ride to visit an old friend and instead becomes embroiled in a young woman’s disappearance. While this was another entertaining tale, it also falls into the middle-of-the-road pile. The Disappearance by Leigh Bardugo was the story I was most excited to read out of this collection, since I love her work. Sadly, I didn’t love it, but I didn’t dislike it either. It stands out as one of the longer and more developed stories, featuring Miss Marple as she investigates the case of a missing person. As the final story of this collection, it also had a unique role to play. Overall, I have to say Marple: Twelve New Mysteries was an interesting concept, and even though most of the stories here were just average, it was worth it for the few gems that really stood out and made the experience special. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 14, 2022
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Dec 15, 2022
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Oct 15, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 1789099595
| 9781789099591
| 1789099595
| 4.12
| 1,892
| Oct 11, 2022
| Oct 04, 2022
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/10/31/... Novellas and short stories are not my preferred format so I don’t often read 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/10/31/... Novellas and short stories are not my preferred format so I don’t often read them, but there are some authors for whom I will make an exception, and one of them is Ronald Malfi. Although I am still somewhat new to his work, his books Come With Me and Black Mouth have already rocketed up my list of favorite horror novels, and when I found out about Ghostwritten—anthology or not—I knew I had to read it. This collection contains four separate self-contained stories, but they all take place in the same shared world and are united by the common theme of books, storytelling, and the written word! The Skin of Her Teeth This opening story was my second favorite of the collection. It begins with talent agent sitting down with her colleague to discuss one of her screenwriter clients who has gone MIA. Davis McElroy had been tapped to adapt a bestselling book for the big screen, but it seems he hasn’t been heard from in weeks. With deadlines looming, our agent decides to go check up on him and is shocked by what she finds. There’s a reason why no screenwriter has ever successfully adapted this particular novel and those who’ve attempted it have all met disturbing fates. The tone of this one gradually gets darker and more ominous as it progresses, a horror story through and through. Still, as an avid reader and a booklover, I was tickled pink by the themes raised by this tale. We’ve all heard the saying, a good story sometimes takes on a life of its own. Or how about, an author pours his or her entire heart and soul into writing a book? The Skin of Her Teeth takes these idea to a whole new level. The Dark Brothers’ Last Ride This one was riveting but also downright weird, which might explain why I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. It follows two brothers, Danny and Tommy, who are part of a smuggling operation. For their latest job, they are instructed to deliver a book to a very particular buyer whose demands are strange but simple: don’t touch the book, and don’t talk to anyone about what they’re transporting. The brothers are also given a time-consuming and circuitous route to their destination, but they’re told it’s of the utmost importance not to stray from this specific path. Needless to say, someone breaks the rules, leading to fatal results. This story started out strong but eventually devolved into a fever dream of bizarreness. Stylistically this story just wasn’t for me, but others may enjoy it more. This Book Belongs to Olo For me, this one ranked about the same as the previous story. At the heart of this tale is boy named Olo, who isn’t like the other neighborhood kids. The child of two writers, he lives in an imposing mansion where he often plays alone, talking to mannequins on the front lawn and running around in a creepy clown mask. He’s also great with papercrafts, creating a pop-up book that replicates the labyrinthine house in which he lives. Then one day, he makes his way down to the playground to invite all the local kids to his birthday party, because his storybook needs some new friends, you see… This was one of the more harrowing tales in this collection but also on the stranger side, reading like a drug-induced hallucination or nightmare. It also dragged on a little too long without adding much to the plot. I did love the atmosphere though, as well as the inventive twist on the creepy old house concept. Plus, the characterization of Olo was amazing. This is one kid you won’t ever want to cross. The Story And speaking of inventive twists, this last novella treats us to a horrifying take on the classic Choose-Your-Own-Adventure tale. As the story opens, a journalist receives tragic news from an old colleague. One of their mutual friends whom they used to work with on a supernatural themed podcast has killed herself. Finding some the circumstances behind her death obscure and suspicious, our protagonist decides to do his own digging into the project she was working on before she died, uncovering an urban legend about a story on the darknet that is different for everyone who reads it. Very soon, he becomes drawn into his own story, and as fiction warps into reality and vice versa, the wrong choices he makes will have deadly consequences. I was glad to see the anthology end on a strong note with a story that’s pure horror with some mystery thrown in. This one had a bit of everything—interesting premise, suspenseful plotline, deep character development. I felt for the protagonist, his complex feelings for his late friend, his determination to get to the bottom of her apparent suicide, and then the fearful desperation and paranoia as his reality began to unravel. The terror and dread of this shook me to my core. Ronald Malfi fans, do yourselves a favor and pick up Ghostwritten, and don’t let the short fiction anthology format put you off. The tales in here are a good example of his talent for storytelling and why he has so quickly become one of my favorite horror writers. Audiobook Comments: A bit of a missed opportunity here to use multiple narrators for the different stories to reflect the diverse personalities and backgrounds of their respective main characters, but in spite of that, Joe Hempel made it all work. He delivered a great performance, and I would highly recommend the audiobook edition. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 18, 2022
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Oct 22, 2022
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Jun 27, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0593500164
| 9780593500163
| 0593500164
| 3.80
| 3,569
| Nov 08, 2022
| Nov 08, 2022
|
liked it
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3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/12/09/... After reading her four novels, I’ve become quite the fan of C.J. Tudor, so w 3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/12/09/... After reading her four novels, I’ve become quite the fan of C.J. Tudor, so when she released her first short story collection, I decided to throw caution to the wind and check out the audiobook edition of A Sliver of Darkness. In the interest of full disclosure though, I’m not really a big reader of short fiction, and unfortunately, this collection reminded me why. I’m the type of reader who prefers to settle in with a book where the plot, setting, and characters are given plenty of time to develop, which in turn gives me the time to feel more connected to them. I can’t say I got that with most of the stories here, though it wasn’t a complete loss, as there were a few gems that stood out. All together there are eleven tales in this collection, but I will only comment on a handful in this review—mainly those that stood out to me, for better or worse. We’ll begin with the stories that impressed me, and by far my favorite was “Runaway Blues”. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was also a favorite for many others as this one felt meatier and more substantial than a lot of the other stories in here. The author took the time to build up the creepy atmosphere so that when the ending revelation was finally revealed, she stuck a perfect landing. Huge props also to the narrator of this story, whose nailed the 1930s blues bar vibes and accents. Another standout to me was “End of the Liner”. Imagine it’s the apocalypse and you’ve survived by spending last fifty years living in a dystopian society board a Disney-like cruise ship sailing endlessly around the world. Once a passenger reaches their 75th birthday though, they are forcibly “retired” in a macabre ceremony that involves the entire ship. This one was a great opener that set the tone for the rest of the offerings in this book, letting the reader know to expect the eerie, the twisted, and the uncanny. I also really enjoyed “Completion” which was a surprise, since the main character in it was so thoroughly unlikeable! What I loved about it was so how unabashedly over-the-top it was, and the ending was so unexpectedly bizarre and steeped in dark humor that I couldn’t help but laugh. “Butterfly Island” was a fun read too. No pretenses or anything too complicated about this one, which had B-horror movie vibes and could have been something more if it hadn’t ended so quickly and abruptly. But then, that was my one complaint about pretty much all of these. In the end, I also didn’t find too many stories that were as memorable. I wouldn’t say any of them were bad, just too short to register as more than a blip and to be forgotten as soon as they were finished. Most of them fell into this category, like the “The Block”, “Dust”, or “Final Course”. All had great concepts, but like I said, a great concept alone won’t carry a story for me. And finally, there were a couple stories that read more like thought experiments, and these simply did not do anything for me at all. “I’m Not Ted” immediately comes to mind, and in a way, so did “The Lion at the Gate.” Again, neat concept, but nope on the execution. That said, one thing I do want to highlight about this collection, and what I thought was an amazing addition, was the author’s notes that preceded each story. In some cases, I enjoyed learning about the inspiration and process that went into writing the story more so than the story itself. Tudor is such a talented writer, and it was fascinating for me to see where she gets some of her ideas. As an extra bonus, Tudor narrated these forewords herself, which made them feel more personal, especially as some of her commentary included details of her family life. I’m still a big fan of her work, but I think I’ve had my fill of her short stories for now, and I’m much more excited about the fact that her next project will be another novel. ...more |
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Nov 30, 2022
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Dec 02, 2022
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Jun 15, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 1625675011
| 9781625675019
| B08BVW4Q6M
| 4.03
| 8,895
| Jul 31, 2020
| Jul 31, 2020
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liked it
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3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/11/19/... I have been waiting a long time for an anthology like Tales from the Folly t 3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/11/19/... I have been waiting a long time for an anthology like Tales from the Folly to come along. As much as I adore the Rivers of London series, many of the author’s short stories set in that world have slipped through the cracks. After all, it’s kind of hard to keep track when there are so many of them floating around, not to mention I’m not exactly a short fiction kind of person, so I lack the motivation to track each one down, especially when many of them could only be found in special Waterstones editions. This is why collections like this are so handy; every previously published Rivers of London short story that is worth reading, plus a couple brand-new ones besides, are all gathered here in one convenient volume. As you will soon see from my in-depth analyses of each one below, I still vastly prefer the full-length novels, but I would nonetheless recommend Tales from the Folly to fans of the series who will no doubt find plenty of enjoyment and satisfaction in these bite-sized adventures. Each tale is also prefaced by a nifty introduction from Ben Aaronovitch providing plenty of fascinating background and context, so if nothing else, you should read this for a chance to revisit the world between the novels, catch up with the characters we know and love, and round out your Rivers of London experience. The Home Crowd Advantage (3 stars) Set in London during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, this tale follows Peter Grant as he is called out to investigate a strange disturbance at a nearby café. This was a short and fun read, but ultimately lacking much interest or memorability. This story takes place early in Peter’s apprenticeship with Nightingale and references a few minor plot developments happening around the same time. Utilizing the Olympics as the backdrop was probably the main selling point, though. The Domestic (3 stars) This story opens with Peter being dispatched to the home of an elderly lady to look in on a case of suspected domestic abuse—except things are not as they seem. The premise to this one was great, and there was even a slight bit of underlying humor, but sadly it was over way too soon. The abrupt ending also gave this one an incomplete feel, which was a real shame. The Cockpit (3.5 stars) Peter and Lesley show up at a Waterstones after a number of strange occurrences were reported at the bookshop. This one was a charming little yarn, and I think book lovers will especially appreciate it. Again, I felt that it was way too short, but on the bright side, at least it felt complete, featuring a beginning, middle, and conclusion with a satisfying resolution. The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Granny (3 stars) During a brief stop at a service station, Peter comes across two men having a little bit of car trouble and offers to help. All Rivers of London stories work best when there are spooky things going on, and this one was no exception. Again, it’s not as memorable due to its short length, but I’m beginning to expect that at this point. King of the Rats (2 stars) A self-styled King of the Rats crashes a party hosted by Lady Tyburn and Fleet, and Peter is called in to investigate, naturally. I felt like this could have been the premise to a much longer book, one that would have been a lot better if fully fleshed out. As it was, I thought this was a pretty strange one, and not too engaging. Nothing was developed enough to really stick, sadly. A Rare Book of Cunning Device (3.5 of 5 stars) Peter is called out to the British Library to look into reports of a possible poltergeist, and along for the ride are Professor Harold Postmarten and our favorite ghost-hunting dog Toby. This is another one that book lovers will appreciate, especially if you enjoy a good mystery. Postmarten has always been a favorite side character of mine, and obviously I also love Toby. Again, a shame that this was over way too soon, and left me wanting more. A Dedicated Follower of Fashion (2 stars) This one is set in Earlsfield in 1967, following a drug dealer/luxury cloth smuggler who runs afoul of the river Wandle. It’s important to note that not all the stories in this collection feature Peter, and it is perhaps no surprise that I felt really disconnected from this one. Perfect example of a take-it-or-leave-it kind of tale. Favourite Uncle (3.5 stars) A sweet Christmas story about Abigail, Peter’s cousin and budding practitioner, who does a little bit of private detective work for a friend who asks her to investigate an uncle who only comes around once a year. Abigail has been getting a lot more attention in the main series lately, and I do want to see more of her, so a story centered around her character was most certainly welcome. Aaronovitch did a great job revealing more of her personality, and I also loved the dialogue. Vanessa Sommer’s Other Christmas List (3 stars) Related to The October Man novella, this story stars Vanessa Sommer, a police officer in Trier, Germany. Shortly after her transfer to the KDA, she spends Christmas at her parents and reexamines her childhood with a new perspective now that her eyes have been open to the world of magic. Readers get to learn a great deal about Vanessa’s background in this one, making it a must-read after The October Man if you want to find out more about her character. Three Rivers, Two Husbands and a Baby (3 stars) This was definitely more of a “world-building story”, examining the idea of genius loci with the birth of a new river in the form of a baby found and adopted by Victor and Dominic. It’s a decent enough story, even if entirely forgettable. Despite its throwaway nature though, I liked its heartwarming themes of family and friendship. Moments One, Two, Three At the end of this collection are three short pieces labeled “Moments” which were originally published on Aaronovitch’s website. These are certainly just moments, nothing more than snippets, really. Not much plot to speak of here, and personally I questioned the point of even including them in this collection, but I suppose it does give readers some insight into the mind of the author and his process for mood-setting and atmosphere building. Audiobook Comments: Since several of the short stories here were originally released as audiobooks to begin with, I was thrilled to discover Tales from the Folly was also going to have an audio edition. Narrated by a diverse group of talented voice actors and actresses, along with commentary from Ben Aaronovitch himself, this audiobook was a great way to experience the collection. A special shoutout also to Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, who gave an awesome performance as Peter Grant. While I mostly read the print versions of the books in the Rivers of London series, the few times I was fortunate to listen to the audiobooks, I always enjoyed his work. There’s no doubt about it, he is the voice of this series. ...more |
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2
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Nov 12, 2020
not set
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Nov 12, 2020
not set
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Aug 27, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| 1250302722
| 9781250302724
| 1250302722
| 4.01
| 6,974
| Jan 12, 2021
| Jan 12, 2021
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2021/01/19/... If you loved The Hazel Wood and The Night Country by Melissa Albert, Tales f 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2021/01/19/... If you loved The Hazel Wood and The Night Country by Melissa Albert, Tales from the Hinterlands is not to be missed. Heck, even if you aren’t a fan of the series, you should give this one a chance. Filled with stories both wondrous and terrifying, this is not your typical book of fairy tales. Those familiar with the main series will recognize this as the collection written by the protagonist’s grandmother Althea Prosperpine before she all but vanished from the public eye, even as her work gained ground in certain circles. As readers, we were able to experience snippets and pieces of these stories over the course of Alice’s adventures, but merely peripherally, often in a secondary context. Now, finally, we are able to read them in their entirety, and discover out what they’ve been all about. If you haven’t read the novels though, don’t despair! They are certainly not a prerequisite, and in fact, it might even be beneficial to read this collection first as it may provide you with the context to appreciate the novels even more. Normally when I review short story collections, I break down each entry by providing a brief summary along with my comments. However, I will not be doing that this time, since it would not work as well. Much like the traditional fairy tales that inspired them, many of the stories in here are allegorical, going beyond the plot to probe deeper themes and messages. The Brothers Grimm influence is also strong with this one, both in the whimsy and darkness of the tales. Some of them are downright twisted and disturbing, pushing beyond the boundaries of fantasy and entering horror territory as they explore extreme and impossible situations. While I will not go into detail into each story, I do have a few favorites. The opening tale, The Door that Wasn’t There was a nice introduction, setting the tone for the rest of the collection. Fairy tale fans will appreciate the familiar tropes—rich merchants and their daughters, stepmothers and blood curses—but the ending will also surprise you, a reminder that Albert has her own ideas and that she’s working towards a unique vision for The Hazel Wood series. Other favorites include Jenny and the Night Women, The Skinned Maiden, as well as Alice-Three-Times. I loved how the protagonists of these stories are not your helpless maidens, but neither are they always good, kind, or sweet. In fact, some of them are highly unlikeable, and you’d be hard pressed to sympathize with them at all. I also want to note that I’m generally not a big reader of short stories or collections because I prefer more developed characters and plotlines, and the short format is usually too restrictive for that. Fairy tales, however, are an exception. As I alluded to before, many fairy tales are often about something bigger than just the plot at hand. A lot of times, their characters as well as the things they do or feel are also less intrinsic to the story and more about representing something about human nature. I definitely got this vibe with many of the stories in Tales from the Hinterland, and in many cases, the shorter they were, the more meaningful they actually felt, while the longer ones rambled and lost much of their impact. Don’t get me wrong; all the stories in this collection were fun to read, but there were a few meandering, ambiguous ones that failed to hold my attention all the way, like Hansa the Traveler, Ilsa Waits, and even the much acclaimed Twice-Killed Katherine. Still, the good stories were by far the majority. Save for a few mediocre entries, this was actually a very strong collection of fairy tales, one of the most impressive I’ve ever read. Be forewarned though, Tales from the Hinterlands is not for the faint of heart. Personally, I felt the overall tone was even darker and more mature than the novels, but that’s probably why I enjoyed it so much! Like I said, this collection can be read independently of the series, but mega-fans will probably want to seek out the print edition, as I hear the illustrations in it are gorgeous. I had the pleasure of reviewing the audio edition which had no visual component obviously, but I nevertheless had a great time listening to the fantastic narration by Rebecca Soler, whose talented voice acting made each story shine in its own way. ...more |
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Jan 17, 2021
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Jan 17, 2021
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Jan 16, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 1982137975
| 9781982137977
| 1982137975
| 3.98
| 104,850
| Apr 21, 2020
| Apr 21, 2020
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/05/19/... What a great collection to ease myself back into the work of Stephen King! I 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/05/19/... What a great collection to ease myself back into the work of Stephen King! I used to read a lot of his stuff, but admittedly not so much these days. In fact, The Outsider was my first King book in almost eight years, but because I enjoyed it so much, it also motivated me to pick up If It Bleeds, a collection of four novellas including the title story which features another harrowing adventure with Holly Gibney. Below are my thoughts on each one. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone – 4.5 stars A sweet but at times unsettling story of a boy’s unique friendship with his elderly neighbor, this opening tale had vibes of Hearts in Atlantis and ended up being one of my favorites. Initially set in the late 2000s, it introduces readers to Craig, our young protagonist who does odd jobs for Mr. Harrigan, a retired business magnate. One day, Craig wins several thousand dollars from a lottery scratch ticket gifted to him by Mr. Harrigan, and having just recently received his very own iPhone, the boy decides to surprise the old man by getting him one as well. Considered cutting-edge technology at the time, the phone quickly becomes a focal point of their relationship, leading to the two of them discussing apps and sharing what they’ve learned with each other on a regular basis—until the day Mr. Harrigan passes away unexpectedly. I loved the concept behind this story, and the central theme of technology bringing together people from different generations and disparate walks of life. Mr. Harrigan was a great character, and Craig’s friendship with him was very unique and special without sacrificing sincerity. There’s also an element of the supernatural which occasionally pushes the narrative into horror territory—nothing too frightening or dramatic, but do expect plenty of chills down your spine from this one. The Life of Chuck – 3 stars King tends to adapt his style to whatever he’s writing, and I find this to be far more noticeable when it comes to his short stories. I’m not usually a fan of his more abstract and metaphysical stuff, which might explain why I didn’t connect with this novella as much as the others. Told backwards in several parts, this story starts with the coming apocalypse. The world is falling apart, and suddenly, everything comes down to a dying accountant named Chuck. It’s hard to describe the plot to this one, since the very nature of its structure makes it confusing and disjointed. The style almost feels experimental, which I did not really enjoy. No doubt some readers will have a blast with this story, especially if you’re into King’s brand of weirdness, but due to its lack of cohesiveness and closure, I can’t say it left me too satisfied. If It Bleeds – 4 stars And here we come to the title story and the longest novella in this collection. It is highly recommended you read The Outsider before tackling this one because it is something of a sequel, catching up with Holly Gibney following her encounter with a creature of pure evil. Without spoiling too much of the story, If It Bleeds begins with detective Ralph Anderson receiving a cryptic note from Holly along with a package containing a drive full of evidence from her latest case. In the event she should die during the course of her investigation, the message reads, Ralph must be careful if he decides to finish what she started. In essence, Holly is convinced that she has found another outsider, a creature that feeds off misery and can change its form to avoid detection, after a horrible explosion at a school in Pennsylvania. Obviously, being a novella, this story isn’t as rich or powerful as The Outsider, but it does contain many of the same themes as well as similar levels of action, thrills, and suspense. But of course, the big bonus here is that readers will get to spend more time with Holly, who simply won’t stop stealing our hearts with her determination and moxie. Rat – 4 stars And now we come to the final story, which I totally ate up because it exuded that old-school horror vibe. The protagonist, Drew Larson, is an aspiring writer with a dream of completing his very first novel. Taking a sabbatical from his teaching job, he travels to a remote cabin in the Wyoming woods where he can work without the distractions from his family or work. But try as he might, the creativity juices just wouldn’t flow—until a bad storm blows in, bringing an unexpected visitor. This one’s your classic make-a-bargain-with-the-devil story, which always ends badly. While it didn’t have the unique hook of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone or the heart-pounding urgency of If It Bleeds, I still enjoyed this one a lot. It’s the most eerie and chilling of the four tales, and that’s certainly a high note on which to end things. Audiobook Comments: There’s a reason why Will Patton is so beloved among Stephen King fans, simply because his narration is amazing and his voice has this way of adding that extra bit of gritty magic to the author’s books. Steven Weber and Danny Burstein also add their talent to the mix, resulting in an incredibly rich and immersive listening experience for the If It Bleeds audiobook. ...more |
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May 16, 2020
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May 16, 2020
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Jul 27, 2019
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Hardcover
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| 125012252X
| 9781250122520
| 125012252X
| 4.29
| 60,218
| Sep 26, 2017
| Sep 26, 2017
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/01/28/... Leigh Bardugo’s The Language of Thorns collects six short stories set in the 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/01/28/... Leigh Bardugo’s The Language of Thorns collects six short stories set in the “Grishaverse”, the world in which her novels like Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows take place. However, these tales are for the most part unrelated to either of those series—a point in this anthology’s favor, in my opinion—and therefore can be enjoyed on their own. It would be more accurate to think of these as fairy tale retellings, each self-contained and often involving their own message and lessons. Personally, I find this format more appealing, as I tend not to get as much out of “side stories” that are tied to (and hence feel “tacked on” to) existing characters and events from a main series. Filled with dark undertones, many of these stories also call back to familiar classic fairy tales—but with a twist. An in-depth analysis and more of my thoughts on each story can be found below: Ayama and the Thorn Wood The king and queen of a small kingdom have two sons. The older one is handsome and well-loved, while the younger one was born monstrous and was hence locked away in a labyrinth beneath the castle soon after his birth. However, the beastly prince managed to escape, and is now terrorizing the village. Desperate, the king offers a large reward to anyone who can stop his monstrous son, and the call is answered by young girl named Ayama, whose family neglects her and treats her more like a servant than a daughter. With shades of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and even 1001 Nights, this opening tale is a good example of the kind of stories you’ll find in this collection—magical, subversive, and adheres closely to the classic fairy tale three-part structure. I was immediately transported to another place and another time, my head filled with evocative images of children sitting rapt and cross-legged by the fireside as they listened to their elders tell them stories. There’s a good takeaway from this one too, a reminder that even the most unassuming lives have value and volumes to them. The Too-Clever Fox Even from birth, Koja the fox was showing everyone why he was the cleverest animal in all the forest, convincing his mother not to devour him, the scrawniest and scraggliest runt of the litter. Using his quick wit and silver tongue, he somehow always manages to squirm his way out of certain death. However, one day a hunter arrives at the forest, ruthlessly picking off all the woodland animals. Undeterred, Koja decides to pit his wits against the human, confident that he can help end the slaughter. A cautionary tale against hubris, this story is another twist on a popular archetype often found in fairy tales, that of the quintessential trickster. Koja, however, will find that plot twists are none too kind to clever foxes. The Witch of Duva The protagonist of this story is a woodcutter’s daughter named Nadya who comes from an area where young girls from the surrounding villages frequently go missing. When her mother dies, her father is quick to remarry Karina, a spiteful woman whom Nadya secretly suspects might be a witch. This one might be the darkest tale in the collection, which possibly explains why I liked it so much. Again, there are plenty of subversions and twists, and some truly disturbing themes and imagery found here too, even if they are portrayed rather subtly. Little Knife This is another story that follows the traditional structure of a classic fairy tale, featuring a greedy duke whose daughter Yeva is so beautiful that the very sight of her instantly causes one to become smitten. When it became time for Yeva to be married, her father decides to hold a competition so that the best man may win her hand. This is a good story for anyone who has ever wondered at the illogical choices made by the typical fairy tale princess character, or why they have to put up with all the crap. The ending to this one is Leigh Bardugo’s brilliant answer to those questions, and it’s just priceless. The Soldier Prince The Nutcracker gets a nice retelling in this story, but with elements from the Grishaverse to spice things up. Thematically, it reminded me very much of science fiction narratives about artificial intelligence, with messages about moral and philosophical issues that make us question what makes us human or gives us free choice. Bardugo does not manage to go quite as deep as that, however, though not for the lack of trying. Quite honestly, I felt this one of the more lackluster tales, at least when compared to the stronger offerings that came before. When Water Sang Fire Fans of The Little Mermaid will probably enjoy this one, since it draws heavily from that story and offers a different perspective on its villain. It follows a sildroher named Ulla, an outcast among her people on account of rumors that she is half human. Still, she is a talented singer, and together with her friend Signy, the two girls can give rise to wondrous creations through the mere power of their voices. Out of all the stories, When Water Sang Fire is probably the most complex (and it might also be the longest), which is ironic because it did little for me intellectually or emotionally. Personally, I preferred the earlier stories in this collection which held all the charm and magic of traditional fairy tales, whereas this one struck me as rather contrived and a little too “fanservice”. A shame that it ended up being one of my least favorite stories, for I would have preferred ending this otherwise excellent anthology on a higher note. Still, as far as short story collections go, The Language of Thorns is very good one. I don’t often find myself recommending anthologies, but I will in this case, since I think this book would appeal to a wide range of readers, especially those who love fairy tale-inspired fiction and imaginative retellings. Perfect for both fans of the author’s Grishverse and newcomers alike. Audiobook Comments: Having listened to all the books in the Grisha trilogy as well as the Six of Crows series in audio format, I am no stranger to the incredibly talented Lauren Fortgang. She’s capable of doing a huge range of voices and accents, and listening to her narrate this book genuinely felt like I was listening to a master storyteller tell creepy fairy tales around a campfire. I would definitely recommend The Language of Thorns in audio, with the only caveat being that actual book contains some art and illustrations, so I would opt for the print edition if you don’t want to miss out on those. ...more |
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Jan 20, 2018
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Jan 21, 2018
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Jan 17, 2018
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Hardcover
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| 0451492129
| 9780451492128
| 0451492129
| 4.40
| 21,610
| Jun 05, 2018
| Jun 05, 2018
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really liked it
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3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/06/05/... Hard to believe it has been four years since the release of the last Dresd 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/06/05/... Hard to believe it has been four years since the release of the last Dresden Files book, and sure, fans might have a little longer to wait until Peace Talks, but for now, an anthology would tide me over quite nicely. Peace Talks is a collection of new and old (but mostly old) short fiction that takes place in the world of Harry Dresden, collected in one convenient volume. Together with the previous anthology Side Jobs, these books give you a chance to catch up with all the stories if you haven’t had a chance to do so yet. A more detailed review of the contents: A FISTFUL OF WARLOCKS The opening story is a Western, as evidenced by its title, following Anastasia Luccio long before she has achieved the post of commander of White Council wardens. Riding in pursuit of a rogue warlock named Alexander Page, Luccio heads into Dodge City where she meets Wyatt Earp and teams up with him to take on a couple of necromancers. In his foreword for this story, Jim Butcher writes: “Some stories happen because a writer gets inspired by some wild idea that needs expression. Some stories are carefully put together as part of a greater whole. And some stories you write because a professional friend asks you if you want to contribute to an anthology, and it sounds like a really fun idea.” This third reason given is why I typically don’t tend to read “side stories” that are tacked onto a main series, preferring the “inspired” and “carefully put together” ones instead. Plus, with any series, I always seem to end up forming attachments to only a small number of characters, and as such, I find I have very little interest in novellas or shorts that feature the perspectives of other minor characters or people in the series universe. I’m guessing this is why I didn’t like this story as much as I’d hoped. To be honest, I barely remember Anastasia Luccio from the main series, and while meeting Wyatt Earp was kinda cool and on the whole this was a fun little story, A Fistful of Warlocks still had that “throwaway” vibe to it that makes me doubt it will stick in my mind for very long. B IS FOR BIGFOOT I had much better luck with B is for Bigfoot, which is also the first story of what is now known as Butcher’s “Bigfoot trilogy”, a trio of short stories featuring Harry Dresden and his interactions with the Sasquatch known as River Shoulders. In this one, Harry is hired to help Irwin Pounder, River Shoulders’ son who lives with his human mother. It seems lately that Irwin has been having some trouble at school, and Harry takes it upon himself to give the boy a talk about bullies. For such a short tale, this one had a lot of heart, and both River Shoulders and Irwin are great additions to the Dresden universe. AAAA WIZARDRY Originally included in the manual Dresden Files RPG: Core Rulebook Volume 2 – Our World, this short story shows Harry in a role of teacher to a group of young wardens. I liked how it featured another side of the character, though plot-wise it was a bit undeveloped. Since the tale was first published in an RPG rulebook about the many different factions, people, and creatures of the Dresdenverse, I didn’t really expect a lot from it, but I had hoped that it would be a bit more memorable. I WAS A TEENAGE BIGFOOT We’re back to River Shoulders and Irwin Pounder in this story, and I couldn’t be happier. This time, Irwin is a little older, attending the prestigious Saint Mark’s Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But his supernatural origins might have attracted some unwanted attention, so his mother Dr. Helena Pounder hires Harry to keep an eye on her son. Sure enough, when Irwin gets sick, Harry is not convinced that it’s just a simple case of mono. These Bigfoot stories are becoming the highlight of this anthology, and this one had a funny twist at the end too that had me laughing. I had a great time with this one. CURSES Set between Small Favor and Turn Coat, this story begins when a man walks into Harry’s office attempting to hire him to remove the curse that was supposed placed on the Chicago Cubs during the 1945 World Series. It was an interesting premise, but I just didn’t find myself too invested in the story, though I’m sure it would be immensely more fun for baseball fans or Chicago natives. At the very least, I got to learn some new things surrounding what is known as the Billy Goat Curse. EVEN HAND Set between Turn Coat and Changes, this story is told from the perspective of one of the series’ most notorious characters, the mob boss known as “Gentleman” John Marcone. Things begin in his office with a visit from Justine, who arrives with a child in tow, claiming that she is being pursued by the Fomor, a race of water-dwelling creatures. Justine wants protection from Marcone, who is about to turn her away until the leader of the Fomor himself crashes his headquarters, changing the situation. I’ll be honest; I was a never a big fan of John Marcone, even though he’s one of the most prominent characters of the Dresden Files series, having been around since the beginning. That said, I’ve always liked the complexity behind his personality and motivations, and this one did a nice job showing him operating in his own world. BIGFOOT ON CAMPUS And so ends the Bigfoot trilogy with this final River Shoulders story about Harry helping Irwin Pounder for the third time. Irwin is now all grown up and in college, playing on the football team, dating a pretty girl, and generally busy doing college student things. However, when it is discovered that Irwin’s girlfriend Connie Barrowill is a vampire of the White Court, Harry goes to let River Shoulders know that his son may be in danger. But as always, things are never as they seem, especially when it turns out Connie is also unaware of her true nature. Things turn a little dark in this Bigfoot story, but I loved the deeper themes in the end about fatherhood and trusting in your children to make their own way. BOMBSHELLS A story about Molly Carpenter, Bombshells follows Harry’s apprentice showing how she’s been dealing with life since the death of her mentor. This one also begins with the sudden appearance of Justine, who shows up on Molly’s doorstep asking for help looking for her lover Thomas, who is also Harry’s half-brother. For a series I love so much, sometimes it surprises me how few of the key characters actually resonate with me. Molly is another member of the main cast whom I’ve never really felt much for, which might explain why I felt so apathetic about this story. It has only been a few days since I finished reading it, but I’ve forgotten many details from it already. COLD CASE Another Molly story, but I fared a lot better with this one. Cold Case begins with Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, charging Molly to collect an overdue tribute owed to the Winter Court. While on her mission, Molly meets up with Carlos Ramirez, a young warden of the Wizard Council, and they strike up a fast friendship and become intimate with each other. Unbeknownst to Molly, however, when she agreed to take on the Winter’s Lady mantle, certain unpleasant “rules” came attached. Admittedly, this story didn’t really wow me until near the end, when the revelations of the mantle’s influence finally hit me like a punch in the gut. I really felt bad for Molly then, and Butcher did such a great job writing her anger, frustration, and loneliness. JURY DUTY In this story, Harry is summoned for the direst and most unpleasant of tasks—jury duty. A man named Hamilton Luther is under trial for the murder, and it appears to be a straightforward case until information surfaces about the possible presence of little girl at the crime scene, who would be a key witness—if she could be found. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Harry follows the girl’s trail and discovers that she has been abducted by a vampire of the White Court. Featuring a mix of action and humor, this was one of the more entertaining and interesting stories of the collection. DAY ONE Yay, a Butters story! I was excited about this one, because here’s a side character from the series that I actually am quite fond of. Day One follows Butters as he embarks on a mission to track down a supernatural predator who has been targeting children, feeding on their nightmares and turning the kids into paranoid and sleepless husks. I have a soft spot for geeks and nerd characters, which is probably why I like Butters so much. Characters like him don’t get much of a chance to shine, so when they get to be the stars of their own stories, however short they are, I take notice. Plus, this one had a hilarious World of Warcraft reference, and because I just happen to be an avid pet collector in that game, huge points for that bit about the murloc egg. ZOO DAY Told in three parts, Zoo Day is the only story completely original to this anthology and hasn’t appeared before anywhere else. In it, Harry takes Maggie and Mouse to the zoo, and father are daughter get some quality time to get to know each other. That is, until a fledgling warlock interrupts their plans. These series of events are depicted three times, first from the perspective of Harry, then Maggie, and finally Mouse. This is a story that does many things, but I mainly liked it for showing Harry trying to be a good parent, and Maggie learning what kind of man her dad is. Their nervousness around each other really pulled on my heartstrings, especially with both of scared that they would be a disappointment to the other, when there is in fact no need for worry on that front. It’s immediately clear that the two of them are cut from the same cloth, in that they both have big hearts and want to help others. This was a sweet and touching tale to end the anthology, showing that despite all the troubles in Harry’s busy life, he still strives to make time for his daughter, recalling the loneliness he felt growing up without his parents. Mouse’s POV also succeeded in adding a little levity, because who doesn’t love getting a story from a dog’s perspective? All in all, Brief Cases was a good read. I’m not usually one to pick up short fiction, but I absolutely would not hesitate to make an exception for an anthology like this one, mainly because the stories are in the world of a series I love. While it’s true that most of these fell into the “okay” to “good” category, there were some that were truly excellent, like the Bigfoot trilogy, that made it all worth it. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the Dresden Files or Jim Butcher, this anthology is not to be missed. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 26, 2018
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May 29, 2018
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Sep 20, 2017
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ebook
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| 1481497294
| 9781481497299
| 1481497294
| 3.64
| 2,336
| Feb 27, 2018
| Feb 27, 2018
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really liked it
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3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/03/08/... A couple things I didn’t realize when I first picked up The Tangled Lands: 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/03/08/... A couple things I didn’t realize when I first picked up The Tangled Lands: one, the world featured here was in fact introduced back around 2011 in the Khaim Novellas series, consisting of The Alchemist by Paolo Bacigalupi and The Executioness by Tobias S. Buckell. Two, this book actually turned out to be an anthology of sorts, containing four short stories which include the aforementioned two novellas. All four pieces take place in a shared world so there are some related events and characters, but generally speaking, they are each distinct and standalone. After scouring my copy of The Tangled Lands, I couldn’t find this information about its format mentioned anywhere on the dust jacket, so hopefully my review will help readers decide if this is the type of book for you. Personally, it wasn’t until I realized that I wasn’t reading a traditional novel but in fact four separate stories, that I felt better able to gauge my opinion of the book as a whole. THE ALCHEMIST First up is the tale of the alchemist, a beleaguered man whom despite his hard work and genius is seeing his life falling to ruin. This opening story also introduces the world to the uninitiated—it takes place in the city of Khaim, the last remaining city in a fallen empire that has been choked by a fast-growing kind of bramble that feeds on magic. As a result, any kind of magic has been outlawed to prevent the bramble from encroaching any further, though some still risk their lives to use it when faced with no other options. This, unfortunately, is the situation our hapless protagonist finds himself in when his only daughter is infected with the seeds of the bramble, causing a lung disease that will one day claim her life. To save her, the alchemist must perform a magical spell regularly to heal her body. But the alchemist also knows that he cannot keep this up forever. The problem is the bramble; if it can be destroyed for good, magic wouldn’t be prohibited anymore, and his daughter would live. So, he devotes all his time and efforts into developing a bramble-killing device called a balanthast, which he brings to the city leaders once it is complete. However, that’s when everything goes wrong. Of the four stories in this book, this was probably my favorite. Part of it was being introduced to this world for the very first time, I’m sure, but there were also a lot of subtle nuances to be found here, from meaningful messages to deep questions to chew on. The Alchemist is very much a Paolo Bacigalupi story in that sense; I can always count on him to present interesting perspectives and provide plenty of discussion fodder. I also enjoyed the characters here. Regardless of what you think of his motivations or actions, the alchemist is written in a way that allows the reader to understand his dilemma and sympathize with him. THE EXECUTIONESS The second story is The Executioness, written by Tobias S. Buckell to accompany The Alchemist. In Khaim, those who are caught using magic are immediately put to the axe in a public beheading. Our protagonist in this tale is Tana, the city’s only female executioner, forced to take her father’s place and carry out his gruesome task on the chopping block. But after a brutal attack on her home by foreign raiders, she must embark on a difficult quest to save her children. I have to say this one was a rather humdrum in terms of the plot—Tana gets picked up along the way be a group of fighters who are tracking the raiders, and she learns to use her executioner’s axe in combat, becoming an effective leader in the process. What stood out for me was the unique role of the protagonist, an executioness but also a middle-aged mother. Sadly, this latter aspect of her life was not as deeply explored as her time with the army, which I thought was a missed opportunity. We also didn’t get to see a lot of the world-building in this one—another disappointment considering how well done it was in the previous story, with its amazing look at the magic system. THE CHILDREN OF KHAIM Written by Paolo Bacigalupi, this tale begins what I would call the “aftermath” phase, showing the consequences of the events from the two previous stories. We now know the full effects of the bramble. Beyond breaking down infrastructure and society by bursting forth from city streets and sprouting in farmers’ fields, it also poisons people and make them sick—very sick. In this story, a young man fights to keep his sister alive after she succumbs to “bramble sleep”. But how far will he go to save her, when resources begin to dwindle, and the hope fades every day? Unfortunately, for a story with such emotionally harrowing themes, this was another one that I felt missed its mark. Rare for Bacigalupi, the characters here just didn’t engage me, so I didn’t feel as connected to this story as I wanted to be. It was also the shortest tale, and that might have hurt it, being that there was not enough time to adequately develop the characters or the plot. After all, for a story of this nature, that’s rather important. THE BLACKSMITH’S DAUGHTER This closing tale by Tobias S. Buckell probably ranks as my second favorite in this collection. While it is dark and bleak, I nonetheless enjoyed it because of all its different layers. In this story, a blacksmith and his family are given only a fraction of the resources required to forge a set of armor for a wealthy duke’s son. The duke, fully aware of the unfairness in this situation, punishes the parents when they fail to deliver, thus forcing the couple’s daughter to complete the project or see her mother and father perish. However, the girl has her own plans, and risks everything to save her parents. This one did not end the way I expected, and though it was also tough to read about the pain, suffering, and injustices committed by the elites on the serving class, I also enjoyed the unpredictable way this story unfolded. I also felt for the main character, my heart aching for her and the circumstances she has found herself in. Even though she was powerless, she still found a way to fight back, never giving in despite the hopelessness and impossible odds stacked against her. Final Thoughts: The Blacksmith’s Daughter was perhaps a rather grim note to end the book on, but in a strange way, it also felt appropriate. Other than taking place in the world, the four these stories here are unlinked or can be read separately, and yet, a common theme does run through all of them. The concept of family features strongly in each tale, not to mention a central figure who sacrifices a great deal in order to save a family member. That said, it didn’t feel like much was accomplished by the end of the book. These tales read more like mini vignettes following the triumphs and tragedies of the different characters—little slices of life in Khaim. It’s a neat idea, but going back to what I wrote at the beginning of this review, if you want to avoid disappointment, it’s probably best to consider The Tangled Lands an anthology rather than a novel or even a collection of constituent short stories that make up a whole. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 2018
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Mar 02, 2018
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Aug 23, 2017
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Hardcover
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| 1481459341
| 9781481459341
| 1481459341
| 4.05
| 4,011
| Jun 06, 2017
| Jun 06, 2017
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really liked it
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3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/06/05/... Ever wonder what it’s like to be a girlfriend or wife of a superhero? The 3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/06/05/... Ever wonder what it’s like to be a girlfriend or wife of a superhero? The answer is not so glamorous in The Refrigerator Monologues, a new book containing a series of linked short stories by Catherynne M. Valente. Inspired by “Women in Refrigerators”, a term used to describe a trope used in many comic book plots involving the deaths, disablement, and disenfranchising of female characters to forward a male superhero protagonist’s storyline, this clever collection offers both a darkly humorous commentary on the subject as well as a vicious lampoon on these kinds of story arcs as a whole. Meet the six women of the Hell Hath Club, all inspired by well-known characters in the DC or Marvel universes so that even passing fans of comics should recognize some of their origins. There’s Paige Embry, the brilliant and driven college student who saw her bright future snuffed out when she was thrown off a bridge by her superhero boyfriend’s arch nemesis. Gwen Stacy anyone? Or how about the powerful telepath and telekinetic, taken away at a young age for a school for special powered people to fight another group of special powered people by an ostensibly well-meaning professor, who later puts Jean Gre—I mean, Julia Ash on an otherwise all-male superhero team called the “Millennial Men”? And of course there’s also Samantha Dane, based off of Alexandra Dewitt, the girlfriend of Kyle Rayner whose gruesome manner of death in the Green Lantern comics is what inspired the “refrigerated” term in the first place. The tales go on like this, each one exploring the background of a female character who has been killed, depowered, or generally dismissed in favor of the male superheroes (and in one case, a supervillain) in their lives. Now the six of them meet regularly in the afterlife, hanging out at a quaint little joint called the Lethe Café where they share their stories, support each other, and listen to the gargoyles bands play punk rock. The Refrigerator Monologues was a quick read, offering brief but plentiful examples to illustrate the concerning trend in comic books of having bad things happen to female characters as merely a plot device. While these are entertaining stories, I’m afraid there’s also very little lightness to them. After all, the women portrayed here are meant to represent the victims of “lazy writing” and “stock storylines”, most of them reduced to playing second fiddle to their male superhero counterparts or as pet causes for their romantic partners. Valente shines a harsh, subversive light on the injustice and absurdity of these situations, from Gwen Stacy whose death has somehow become an inextricable and defining moment in the life of Spider-Man, to Harley Quinn who is forever standing resolutely by the Joker even after the bajillionth time he leaves her to rot in Arkham. The short vignettes here capture both the tragedy and comedy of the women’s fates by putting readers in their shoes. I also thought the length and format of the book was perfect for the author’s vision. It is clear anything less would have failed to deliver the same level of poignancy, while a longer book containing more stories would have run the risk of being repetitive. The writing style here is very distinctive, aiming for biting humor and as much as snarky finesse, though after a while I found it difficult to distinguish the different voices of the women for they all seemed to speak with the same mannerisms. By the end, I was also feeling a little weary and heartsick from the underlying tones of sadness and dejection. For you see, this isn’t a book that “fixes” things, nor was it ever meant to be—I think Valente put it best in an article I once came across where she said (and I’m paraphrasing based on memory), “I might not be able to swoop in to save the damsel, but I can turn on the mic to let her scream.” You might read these stories expecting more anger and indignation from the characters, but ultimately the Hell Hath Club isn’t so much about fury than it is about a place where its members can come together to vent, grieve, commiserate, or simply to tell their personal stories and be heard. In closing, I also want to give special mention to the world-building of Deadtown. Aside from being the most unique and interesting aspect of the book, this brilliant setting ties all the characters’ stories together and gives this collection a special touch. Being dead isn’t easy—you’re basically stuck wearing whatever god-awful outfit you were buried in for all eternity, and there are bizarre rules like how all food can only be made from plants and animals that have gone extinct, or that the only books available are those that have been forgotten to time, etc. Still, it isn’t all bad. Residents of Deadtown share the afterlife with a population of friendly gargoyles who sure know how to have a good time! Finally, you certainly don’t need to be familiar with comics or comic book characters to appreciate this book, but knowing some of the context would probably help. Sharply droll and acerbic, The Refrigerator Monologues offers a look at the superhero genre from a rare but important perspective. Whether these stories make you laugh or cry, pound your fists or roll your eyes, at the end of the day they’re bound to evoke emotions and start some conversations. And sometimes, that’s all that really matters. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 25, 2017
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May 28, 2017
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Apr 22, 2017
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Hardcover
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| B074SZ259P
| 4.00
| 1,128
| Aug 31, 2017
| Aug 31, 2017
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really liked it
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4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/09/02/... Golden Age and Other Stories is a charming little anthology that is sure to 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/09/02/... Golden Age and Other Stories is a charming little anthology that is sure to please fans of Naomi Novik’s Temeraire, though if you are just getting started on the series or are hoping to sample some of the stories here before diving into the main books, this will not be the most ideal entry point. For that, I highly urge you to simply pick up His Majesty’s Dragon, one of my favorite fantasy novels of all time. While I don’t think you have to complete the series to appreciate this collection (I myself have only read the first six of the nine volumes), having some basic knowledge of the world to start will definitely help you out a lot. This anthology also features an interesting format, consisting of six short stories which are then followed by about two dozen snippets termed “Drabbles”. All of them are accompanied by a piece of fan art upon which these tales are based, so not only are you getting plenty of dragon-y goodness with this collection, you’ll also be receiving a generous helping of gorgeous eye candy. But how do the stories themselves stack up, you ask? Well, as with most collections, the offerings here are somewhat unbalanced, hitting both highs and lows. I don’t mind admitting that I was largely unimpressed with the first few stories or any of the Drabbles at the end, but sandwiched between them are several amazing gems that are so good that I would say they are worth the price of admission alone. To begin, we have the first tale called “Volly Gets a Cow”, a short humorous piece that nevertheless left me feeling lukewarm towards it. One thing I did like though, was how this was one of the few stories in here that featured Temeraire displaying a deep font of patience as he tries to reign in one of his dragon friends, the playful and distracted Volly who only has eyes for a delicious yummy cow. Next up is a story called “Planting Season”, which fortunately I enjoyed a lot better than the first. It stars a dragon in the Americas named John Wampanoag, who has fallen into a sort of mediator role between the Native Americans and the European settlers in the aftermath of the Revolution. Offering his services as a courier, John has a talent for making negotiations and a sharp mind for getting the best deal out of a trade. I liked how this one offered another view of the world from a different context, accomplishing just what a side story should do. Then comes another dip, I’m afraid, in “Dawn of Battle”, a story starring a young Jane Roland that gives a bit about her background. To my disappointment, of the six full tales in this collection, I thought this was probably the least memorable, though if you’re a big fan of her character then this one may impact you a lot more. Now comes the good stuff: The title story “Golden Age” is a reimagining of Laurence’s first meeting with his dragon. This alternate version has Temeraire’s egg washing up ashore on a desert island following a shipwreck. After hatching and falling in with a group of feral dragons, the lot of them decide to turn to a life of piracy, and their subsequent looting and plundering prompts Laurence to investigate and bring them to justice. Do I really need to spell out why this story was so awesome? PIRATE DRAGONS! Not to mention there’s also a heart-pounding encounter at sea involving dragons and a kraken, which hopefully shouldn’t be a spoiler considering how the image depicting this scene is plastered all over the cover. After all the action, a more emotional, quiet tale is told next in “Succession”, a story about Temeraire’s mother. After laying twin eggs, Qian has to make a difficult decision in order to prevent a rivalry between the princes in the Chinese imperial family. This one really tugged on my heartstrings, reading about a nervous parent fretting for the precarious wellbeing of her growing child, only to find out about a second dragonlet. Something that should have been a blessing becomes the source of even more heartbreak in this beautiful story about motherhood and sacrifice, and I think fans of the series will also enjoy the little insights we get into Temeraire’s origins. Without a doubt though, the crowning glory of this collection is “Dragons and Decorum”, and yes, the title should clue you in on the story’s inspiration, even without the mention of Elizabeth Bennet as the main protagonist. In this lovely, delightful mashup featuring a blend of the worlds of Temeraire and Jane Austen, Elizabeth is sent to the Aerial Corps as a young girl to become a dragon rider, returning home a few years later as Captain Bennett accompanied by her gabby Longwing named Wollstonecraft. Similar to the novel Heartstone by Elle Katharine White, this is a re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice with dragons, but what I loved about this story is that Elizabeth is the dragon rider instead of Mr. Darcy. It’s also quite a close retelling, though I did wish the story had ran a little longer because it was so cute and endearing. Novik also shows what a versatile writer she is, perfectly channeling Austen and the Regency-era style. And finally, we come to the Drabbles, a series of 100-word paragraph-long stories which I honestly could have done without. Like a collection of random notes or passages clipped out of a book, I can see writing them being a fun little exercise for Novik and pairing them with pieces of fan art was also a very unique and cool idea, but for the most part none of them made much of an impression. So, is Golden Age and Other Stories worth reading? If you’re a fan of Temeraire, the answer is absolutely yes. While the early stories and the ending Drabbles may be on the underwhelming side, I wouldn’t let that discourage you from seeking the real treasure found in the intervening pages. I would even go as far as to say standouts such as “Golden Age”, “Succession”, and “Dragons and Decorum” are must-reads, and happily, these three stories make up the bulk of this book. The world of Temeraire is rich and marvelous, and a collection like this reminds me that there’s always something more to discover. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 22, 2017
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Aug 25, 2017
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Mar 06, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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| 1596068078
| 9781596068070
| 1596068078
| 3.54
| 496
| Feb 28, 2016
| Feb 28, 2017
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liked it
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3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/01/13/... Infernal Parade by Clive Barker is a novella containing a series of short st 3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/01/13/... Infernal Parade by Clive Barker is a novella containing a series of short stories which, including the illustrations (by Bob Eggleton), comes in at under 100 pages and probably took me less than an hour to read. For such a slim volume though, it held a surprising amount of fascination for me. Thing is, out of context, the half dozen or so tales in here might seem a little random until you know a bit more about their history. Back in the early 2000s McFarlane Toys put out a couple lines of horror action figures which came distributed with portions of fictional pieces about them written by Barker as an added incentive. “The Infernal Parade” was one of these toy lines, inspired by a nightmarish circus filled with monstrous attractions and other gruesome curiosities. It included six figures. Things kick off with the tale of our ringmaster, the convicted killer Tom Requiem. Hanged for his crimes, he nonetheless returns from the brink of death to head up a literal freak show spotlighting the terrifying and the tortured. From all across globe and even into the mythical realms, Tom scours through time and space for creatures to join his macabre parade, starting with the woman he murdered, Mary Slaughter the blade swallower. The two of them are next joined by Elijah, a bloodthirsty golem that killed the master who created it; the tormented members of Dr. Fetter’s family of freaks; the Sabbaticus, a monster out of the wilds of Karantica; and last but not least, Bethany Bled, the prisoner in the Iron Maiden. These are their stories, brought together in this one handy collection. They don’t form a single overarching narrative per se, since each tale can be read as a standalone, in any order, as they were meant to accompany their individual action figures. If you think about it, it’s actually rather ingenious, because having glimpsed the actual Infernal Parade toys on comic book and game store shelves over the years, it’s not hard to see why some might be repelled by their disturbing and grotesque nature (as striking and gorgeously detailed as they are)—but if you happen to be a Clive Barker fan, a horror buff, or perhaps you are simply curious about a particular figure’s backstory, I can understand the appeal behind these shorts. The stories in here are each around 6-10 pages long, but there’s a world of imagination packed in every single one. They feel very much like creepy little fables or grisly tales you would tell around a campfire. That said, even knowing the origins behind Infernal Parade might not not take away the clipped and disjointed feeling of this collection, though in all fairness I don’t typically do well with the super-short fiction format, so this might actually work better for others than it did for me. To their credit too, each story left me wanting more—in the good way. As intended, they feel like snippets in a character’s life story, specifically the circumstances around how they joined up with Tom Requiem and became a part of his parade. As much as I enjoyed these individual tales though, they often left me with the sense that the best is yet to come. For example, I probably had just as much fun imagining in my head everything that would happen in “the after” once this hideous crew got on the road. Where would they tour? Who or what would come out to see them? Think of the sheer potential behind all these crazy scenarios. Bottom line: those looking for a more substantial read or something that feels more “complete” might not find it here, though if you’re a Clive Barker fan or a collector of rare fiction, it doesn’t get much cooler than this. Infernal Parade is a very special opportunity to get your hands on a unique collection of his short stories that might be tougher to find these days. Even if you’re reading Barker for the first time (like I was) I feel this book would be a wonderful introduction to his dark and distinct style. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 02, 2017
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Jan 02, 2017
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Oct 24, 2016
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Hardcover
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| 0996403914
| 9780996403917
| 0996403914
| 3.50
| 161
| Nov 08, 2016
| Nov 08, 2016
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Sep 19, 2016
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Paperback
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| 9781940154138
| 1940154138
| 3.85
| 60
| May 19, 2016
| Mar 19, 2016
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0
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not set
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not set
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Aug 02, 2016
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Paperback
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| 0765391163
| 9780765391162
| 0765391163
| 4.46
| 50,943
| Nov 08, 2016
| Nov 22, 2016
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it was amazing
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4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/11/28/... Huge Brandon Sanderson fan that I am, I try to read everything he writes, 4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/11/28/... Huge Brandon Sanderson fan that I am, I try to read everything he writes, but especially the works that take place in his fictional universe of the Cosmere. But while I have read all the novels, somehow many of the novellas seem to have slipped through the cracks. When a lot of the stories have only appeared online or in other anthologies, it can make tracking down every single one a challenge. Enter Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection. It feels like I have been waiting my whole life for this. Collecting eight previously published short stories and novellas plus one new never-before-seen tale that takes place in the world of The Stormlight Archive, this anthology is a must-have for every Cosmere geek. The Emperor’s Soul The Emperor’s Soul is the only story I’ve read previously before coming into Arcanum Unbounded. It remains one of my favorites of all time, the only novella I’ve ever rated a full five stars and I was ecstatic to see that it was the first story in this collection. Taking place in the world of Elantris, it follows a thief and forger named Shai who is captured by agents in a foreign land and made to craft a new soul for their emperor. Re-reading this story reminded me all over again why I loved it the first time; clocking in at just over one hundred pages, it manages to encompass everything I would expect from a full-length novel—intricate world-building and incredible character development, with a unique magic system to boot. Few authors can manage a feat like this, but Sanderson captures my imagination whether he’s penning short fiction or thousand-page epic fantasy tomes. Certainly The Emperor’s Soul shows he is not only a writer but an artist, or at least someone who understands how making art feels, based on his excellent characterization of Shai. This is a brilliant novella with a touching and powerful message. The Hope of Elantris This short and sweet tale was meant to fill a gap in the plot of Elantris, giving readers some backstory into the book as well as a brief look at what happened after its climax. It would have very little impact and meaning if you have not read Elantris yet, and the author’s note even recommends not reading this until you have finished the novel in case of spoilers. As it was not meant to be any more than just a quick filler story, I was not surprised to find it somewhat lacking in substance. For the purpose it was meant to serve, however, it succeeded marvelously, and I also liked it more once I read the nice postscript that explained how the idea for The Hope of Elantris came about. The Eleventh Metal This was a story written specifically for the Mistborn tabletop RPG, so it was no surprise that it read very much like an introductory primer to the world, magic, and characters of the series. It also takes us back to a much younger Kelsier, so those who are interested in his past will likely enjoy this look at his training days with his mentor Gemmel. Fans of the original Mistborn books will probably like this more than readers unfamiliar with the trilogy, despite it being very short and containing more exposition than your typical short story. Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30 If you’ve ever read his Alcatraz series, then you know that Brandon Sanderson has an interesting sense of humor. It definitely comes out again here in this second short story written for the Mistborn RPG, except this one takes a much different tack. Chronicling the adventures of Allomancer Jak with helpful (and hilarious) footnotes provided by his faithful Terris steward Handerwym, this story is Sanderson’s tribute to the classic pulp tradition. Jak reads like an over-the-top, satirical version of Wax from the later Mistborn novels, which was apparently the author’s intent. A delightful and entertaining read complete with a dash of unique humor, giving this one considerably more “personality” than The Eleventh Metal. Mistborn: Secret History This was perhaps my most highly anticipated story of this collection, and it did not disappoint. Intended to be a companion novella to the original Mistborn trilogy, this shouldn’t be read until you complete those first three books or else you will be utterly confused, not to mention the presence of major spoilers. Also, you won’t be able to fully appreciate what a touching, emotional tale this is. Secret History tells the story of what happened to Kelsier after his death at the hands of the Lord Ruler, and as such, it features strong mystical themes dealing with fate and the afterlife. I’ve never made it a secret how I feel about The Hero of Ages and how it ended (it was a punch in the gut) which has always soured me somewhat on the entire trilogy. I have to admit though, this novella changes things. The void I have felt inside of me for so long has been filled in a bit, and my appreciation and understanding of the series has increased. No question about it, Secret History is a must-read for Mistborn fans. White Sand An eighteen-page excerpt of the White Sand graphic novel is included with this collection, followed by the written draft which formed the basis of the comic adaptation. It follows Kenton, the youngest son of a Sand Master but shows weak affinity for the magic himself. This is an older story, and as such you can some of the roughness around the edges, and the magic system is a lot more straightforward relative to Sanderson’s later work. However, I did like that we got to read about a character who had little magic power; much fun was had watching Kenton come up with creative ways to overcome challenges and defy the masters. This was also a highly action-oriented tale. Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell Originally published in the Dangerous Women anthology, this story features an innkeeper named Silence who shelters travelers passing through the gloomy, haunted forest. Revenge is the name of the game as we follow our protagonist and her daughter into the wild to track down and kill bad folk. There’s also a strong sense of frontier lawlessness to the setting, which is crawling with bounty hunters, corrupt enforcers, and vengeful ghosts. This was admittedly not my favorite of Sanderson’s novellas, but it does show a darker side to his storytelling that we don’t get to see often. Sixth of the Dusk Again, I did not find this novella to be among Sanderson’s best, but many of the ideas in here are very interesting. It follows a Tracker whose main trade are magical birds found only on the sacred islands of the Archipelago, with his life being increasingly disrupted by the gradual encroachment of society and technology. I love the setting established in this story as well as the mysteries surrounding the Aviar, though I wish there had been more time spent on the birds’ special link with their owners. I didn’t feel like I had enough time to get to know the characters either; all told, this story could have afforded to be a little longer but I enjoyed it for what it is. Edgedancer Of the entire collection, Edgedancer is the story Cosmere fans will be mostly likely talking about. For starters, it’s completely new, and it’s also from the world of the Stormlight Archive. Sanderson shines the spotlight on Lift, the scrappy young urchin with a special gift who first appeared in Words of Radiance. We plunge headfirst into adventure with Lift and her spren Wyndle in this sort-of origin story, though she’s also not the only familiar face to turn up within these pages. We’re given a closer look into her life and personality, and you can tell she’s definitely being built up for a larger role in the main series. I also really enjoyed getting a more detailed picture of Tashikk and its culture. This final story will make you smile, and if Lift hadn’t made an impression on you before, well then she sure will win your heart here. Closing Thoughts: Arcanum Unbounded is a must-read for every Brandon Sanderon fan, though for best results it is recommended that you have already completed Elantris, the Mistborn series, and the Stormlight Archive series in order to enjoy the full impact of this anthology. But even if you are a reader who simply enjoys spending time in Sanderson’s worlds without being all that concerned with how they fit together, you will be amazed by the all-encompassing and in-depth quality of this collection. The stories themselves are fantastic of course, but you are also guaranteed to walk away from this with a better understanding of the immense and epic macrocosm that is the Cosmere. Arcanum Unbounded is now one of the most treasured books on my bookshelf. ...more |
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Nov 23, 2016
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3-3.5 of 5 stars. Star Wars: The Perfect Weapon is a tale about Bazine Netal, a character who made an appearance in a quick scene in Maz's Castle from
3-3.5 of 5 stars. Star Wars: The Perfect Weapon is a tale about Bazine Netal, a character who made an appearance in a quick scene in Maz's Castle from The Force Awakens. She was the creepy black-lipsticked female informant who we first saw sharing a couch with that huge Dowutin alien. This short story provides a bit of background for her, with a focus around one of her past missions. On the whole a fun and fast read, but in the end, probably one that you can take or leave. It's not vital to the overall scheme of things in any way, and if you replace the names and places it could probably even work just fine as a non-Star Wars-y story. Unless you like to speculate...in which case you can have a bit of fun with the last few lines of the book. ...more |
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really liked it
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Sep 03, 2022
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Sep 21, 2024
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| 4.11
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Sep 23, 2024
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Sep 01, 2024
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Jun 27, 2024
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Nov 07, 2023
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really liked it
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Aug 22, 2023
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Dec 15, 2022
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Oct 15, 2022
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really liked it
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Oct 22, 2022
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Jun 27, 2022
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Dec 02, 2022
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Jun 15, 2022
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Nov 12, 2020
not set
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Aug 27, 2020
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really liked it
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Jan 17, 2021
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Jan 16, 2020
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really liked it
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May 16, 2020
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Jul 27, 2019
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really liked it
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Jan 21, 2018
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Jan 17, 2018
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really liked it
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May 29, 2018
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Sep 20, 2017
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really liked it
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Mar 02, 2018
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Aug 23, 2017
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really liked it
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May 28, 2017
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really liked it
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Aug 25, 2017
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Mar 06, 2017
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Jan 02, 2017
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Oct 24, 2016
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Sep 19, 2016
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| 3.85
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not set
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Aug 02, 2016
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| 4.46
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it was amazing
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Nov 23, 2016
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Jul 04, 2016
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Jan 19, 2016
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Jan 19, 2016
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