Sadistic Shorts: Tales from the Devil's Drawers: William Sells

So, interesting cover and nice title but is the rest really all that? I found it to be a few nice shorts and other tales that were, simple stated, “fair.” For sure the word sadistic does not really temper the book for me. Horror, sure but when you use words like sadistic, I anticipate a hell-of-a-ride not to only be taken for a short stroll through the grotto of hell.

Liar was a nicely crafted story. Tight and suspenseful – rather fun I might add. The Broken People gave me a sense of fright, curiosity and a touch of the macabre. Another tale worth a read is Whitehurst’s contribution about ‘puzzle’ people. Use your imagination on this one and you might get an idea.

There is nothing ‘new’ here. Nothing breath taking and certainly not much for the sadistic fellow. That said, the tales above may be worth the price and you might find a few others that you find to be your bucket if visceral.

Not excited but I am not really an excitable reader. For the writer, there is nothing to grow on here and for the reader, for the price (Kindle) it is worth a thought but if $0.99 is all you got on your card … spend it elsewhere.

Spyder's literature second (no really): Chamber Of The Dead

Hahaha - OMG - Pass; you were warned.

FEAR: A Modern Anthology Of Horror And Terror - Volume 2: Sherri Browning Erwin

I dug this book – not every story stuck with me but the few that did were so good that it made the others more enjoyable. Being carried in an anthology by other authors isn’t the best for a writer’s ego but association to skill does help. For some, however, it will have the complete opposite affect, depending on the reader.  For me it is a shuttle to being seen the next go around.

Scarecrow is an example of this. Here Hogan takes you on a hay ride of fear and suspense. I enjoyed the amount of blood and agony depicted within the tale and the overall tale was dripping with

horror.

Douglas hits on my niche with The Living Eucharist, though I would have like a little more angst. Tightly written, fun and smooth tale of horror and reaping what you sow.

Finally, Wright’s The Sad Story of the Death of a King, is a character rich and atmospheric gem of a tale. It alone is worth the price of admission.

For the writer, check the atmosphere and characterization created by Wright and Huntley. There is much for the writer to glean from others here, not professional of course but certainly pointers that might assist in honing your skills.

For the reader – buy it! No Spyder tales so you cannot claim bias! Great horror -

Spyder’s comic minute: Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe – Cullen Bunn

Alternate universes in the Marvel Universe hold a special place in some fans hearts. Others, those so called purest, perhaps won’t be as enamored with the tale. The storyline is bloody and reckless (in a great way) as Deadpool makes his way through the universe.

Deadpool is one of those WTF characters. He doesn’t seem to fit but always seems to find a way to work his malice into the comic world. The story is a bit short and not as tightly written as one has grown accustom to with Cullen Bunn. The dialog is fine in most cases, a little verbose at times but overall enjoyable. The methods of killing are delightful in spots but at times a bit boring. Overall, the flow and the butchery of the tale is fun.

Art, which is a cornerstone of comic book fandom, offers a great look at the Marvel Universe. It is very well penned and colored and offers a fun view of Marvel. Remember, this is a comic book, so no grand storyline with an exceptional plot but a rowdy adventure with the fun and unique Deadpool.

In the mood for a wild ride, then check it out. Want some good old bloodletting, have a gander. Short and smaller than most of the graphic novels from this genre, is Deadpool - Kills the Marvel Universe. Price is cheap, so what the heck?

Comic fans, those who are interested in alternate universes or those who enjoy Deadpool should take this comic for a spin.

The Horror: Randy L. Shaffer

I would like to move to Bridgetown and if you are a horror fan, my guess is you will too. This is a short and fun tale about a neighborhood haunted house that is a real life house of horror. What a great neighborhood.

Lisa is frankly an after thought of a character. The haunted house is the real central character of the story. Charley is perhaps a perfect specimen for such a tale. All in all this is a fun story, haunting and atmospheric.

Tightly written and well drawn out. A short tale, advertised as a novella, is nicely weaved and perfect in length. Many writers like to try and draw short stories to novellas and novellas to novels and some can pull it of for sure. Many however, fall short. This was one was done up just right.

Not the greatest story ever written but it is certainly something to consider for a solid read. The cost is but a buck. For horror, it is fun and for the craft it is a mini-lesson. Nothing really stands out for the writer other than a solidly written tale.

Enjoy …

Father’s Instinct: Cole Raptor

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that this is Cole’s first book, Father’s Instinct. Further, because of this I am going to move on with this scant review. If you read my blog at all you know that I am not a detailed reviewer, nor am I a professional opinion when it comes to anything. I am just a guy who reads and has an opinion of sorts about stuff.

Father’s Instinct isn’t horrible, just confusing. There is promise in Cole’s voice but not much attention to detail. The story is none sensible in the way it pulls the two main characters together, Cort Cameron whose daughter has been kidnapped and his wife murdered and Steve Boulder’s whose father’s death is suspect. The story shows promise but feels forced and padded to make it novel length (or there about).

 

There is no ‘reason’ for the kidnapping and ridiculous ransom demand and even though it is paid the events that follow are unwarranted. I am not opposed to graphic violence in a book of fiction. Graphic violence for the sake of shock or pad, I do. I just don’t get it … that said, obviously the author did. This tale seems like it would have made a tighter novella or even drilled down to a short story.

Father’s Instinct is not poorly written. It is not liner for the hamster cage, not at all. It is a decent run with some intrigue but no real horror aside from the fluff. If a decent crime fiction or the over used ‘thriller’ is you, then this might be worth a look. This rode the kindle horror pages so I grabbed it – I am starting to get miffed with Kindle and their genre tags …