The Fades - Season 1 (and only season)

So, I checked out a BBC offering called, “The Fades.” Admittedly, the main reason I did is because Natalie Dormer stars in it. To my surprise and then ultimate chagrin, The Fades was simply brilliant.

The storyline follows an unpopular and rather awkward teen, named Paul. Paul is haunted by dreams of the end of the world. He also has the ability to see the dead, lost souls wandering the earth because they cannot ascend, as the afterlife will not accept them. These lost souls are known simply as Fades.

Paul will soon discover that his ability to see the demise of all civilization and Fades all points to his special connection to the accession point and the ultimate release of the Fades. Not everyone however is on Paul’s side. The Angelics, whom one would suspect to be good are not what they seem, at least not all of them. The conflict between the Angelics and Fades is what brings Paul to the center of the battle, as he is special.

The short six episode season follows the Paul and his odd friend Mac on a harrowing adventure that see’s Paul reach his ultimate potential, but not without grave loss. There is just enough mixture of Paul’s life, to include Mac, mother Meg and sister Anna. With side stories that follow Sarah and her husband Mark and of course Neil, Paul’s mentor and lead Angelic.

The characters in the story are all exceptional, well acted and believable. Of course, Natalie Dormer’s character Sarah is of special interest (ahem). Seriously, I am not much of a TV watcher but the BBC has introduces some fine television stateside and The Fades is a prime entry.

I recommend The Fades with reservation. I loved it but you should know that the BBC canceled it. This was reportedly because of budgetary reasons and keeping the counter series Being Human, alive. So, go into the series with that thought in mind will be helpful in deciding if you want to take The Fades for a ride. The only disappointment is that it will not be back for a season two … well at least anytime soon.

16 Heatherdale Drive - David Jester

With 16 Heatherdale Drive you have five short stories rolled tightly into a devious collection of sinister horror. Not a tale in the lot was filler or a waste of the reader’s time to get to the next story. Each has merits of its own and each was well presented. 

Of special interest is the short tale that bears the collection’s title. It is a tightly written stroll down a dark and lonely street. I did enjoy some of the tongue in cheek humor sewn into the fabric of the horror, intended - perhaps, clever, definitely. The dialog throughout the collection is refreshing, real and genuine.

I found some fun and chills in Repeat Offender, as well. Especially enjoyed the internal struggles and dark depths to which the horror was delivered. Nice short read, well worth the price and it promises to be a sit down and savor type of collection.

For the reader, this is a nice collection of shorts, if that is your bag. I don’t think you will be disappointed and will enjoy the tales Mr. Jester spins for you. Worth a spin down Heatherdale Drive in my opinion.

For the writer, perhaps dialog is a point of interest here. Though well written stories the learning factor really is a stand out. Just some good horror to enjoy!

Usagi Yojimbo, Book 1: The Ronin

Let’s go back in time to 1987 and visit Stan Sakai’s beloved Ronin, Usagi. This rabbit, yes rabbit, is one of the most beloved and dynamic characters in comic history. Never mind the DC and Marvel Universes for a moment, and appreciate the longevity, story and history that Usagi and Mr. Sakai have given all of us.

There is no time, like the present, to get into the Ronin world of Usagi – here. This well written, expertly drawn character, provides a look into a fascinating world of the samurai in 17th century Japan. Usagi is a noble and honest Ronin who travels the country not looking for trouble but seemingly always finding it.

The storyline is suitable for all ages which makes the character that much more appealing. There is, as you might imagine, much more to the Usagi universe than comics. There are dozens of graphic novels, statues, busts, figurines and clothing. This is just a great series and the Rabbit brings ancient Japan alive unlike any movie or writer has done, before.

Some complain about the black and white nature of Usagi but this is what gives the art the appeal. It is simple, yet defined. It is detailed, yet open. The talent of the pen captures the words and storyline as the story does to the art. It is such a relationship that compliments each form of art more so found in the genre.

For the reader, a trip to the past into a world with much history and dark secrets, if you enjoy a rich story then you will not be disappointed. There is much to take in and where to begin is always a challenge, for that, I recommend: Usagi Yojimbo, Book 1: The Ronin.

For the writer, this is a lesson in perseverance and story telling. Take a note of Mr. Sakai’s styling and perseverance for a lesson on how to be successful in this genre.

Penpal: Dathan Auerbach

“Penpal” a narrated horror tale that follows the life as recounted by the narrator of childhood events that spell-out a horrific, to say the least, youth. The tale begins in the early years, with great detail of dreadful events that occurred. The flow of the story is very well constructed, but is it really believable? The detail exposed from the narrator – his recount of his childhood is quite grand. I can barely recall where I went to school, let alone complete sentences, I may have muttered.

Perhaps the recounts take on some liberties, as they would for such a story and I am just being nitpicky. So, I digress, once again. Overall this is a tightly written tale that brings to mind a more traditional type horror, meaning it is not gore or sex filled but written with purpose. The child factor and the events that unfold are enough to heighten the dread that Penpal provides.

Novel length – seemingly sewn from the threads of a series of shorts, writers understand that this is hard to pull off. I’d submit that Auerbach provides proof positive that it is a workable feat. There are holes, maybe, if you try and read to deeply into the storyline. There are questions if you expect every detail to be spoon fed to you. This is fiction and horror and it stands much on its own.

For the reader, grab a copy. If you like horror that isn’t gore infested, foul-mouthed or sex over the top – then Penpal may be to your liking.

For the writer, mainly the weaving the shorts into a novel – there is fluff and long drawn out periods of ho-hum but it gives you an idea. Characterization may be something you can hop on or not, depends on how you approach the tale. For me it was a no go.

  

Pizza Delivery - Robert Kent

I was instantly intrigued by the reviews, granted there were only four at the time, and the authors beware claims. I normally do not read nor care to read the reviews provided by a reader (or friends and family or as Sprint calls it Framily). In this case, I was a little “unsold” on the storyline and thought it just another zombie tale.

I took the plunge and grabbed a v-copy for a quick read. It is a short story puzzled into a novelette, as the author politely informs. The character of Brock Clouser is your normal run of the mill college kid working a summer gig for some school year green. His persona is as expected, semi-party kid with an eye on the finish line and an eye on being a pessimistic.

Though the boast is “scary,” “mean” and “nasty.” I will say that it isn’t something for children. The fate of Brock isn’t something I’d personally want or even wish on some jackass that cut me off on the Interstate. All the same, shock factor aside it is much of what one comes to expect in the slash and shock genre that horror has become in some circles.

Overall, Pizza Delivery is a fun ride. For the reader, here you have something a bit more graphic then some like, so bear that in mind. However, if you can take a little slash and shock with your horror it’s a decent story. Perhaps, if anything else you can take away from the story is – beware of letting your college kid be a pizza delivery guy.

For the writer, let’s see. Descriptive voice is rather nice. I did get a kick out of the cancer just happens analogy, seeing how one can actually make life choices to invite cancer? Mood and atmosphere are alive here, though some of over emphasis takes away from the mood. Maybe this is a tighter short story instead of a novelette?