New Release: Tales of High Hallack Vol 1 by Andre Norton

New Release: TALES OF HIGH HALLACK, Volume 1, the collected short stories of Andre Norton.

For the first time, the Grand Dame of science fiction—Andre Norton—has her short stories gathered for her fans’ reading pleasure. Tales reach back to the 1930s, as fresh and relevant today as they were when she wrote them . . . such was Andre’s skill. High fantasy, fables, science fiction, coming of age stories, and more fill three volumes. This impressive, must-have collection includes stories of Witch World. There are cats sprinkled here and there, as Andre treasured them so. And there is magic in the writing, unequaled prose to delight readers of all ages.

High Hallack was a place in Andre’s fiction, and was also the name of her genre writer’s library she opened in Tennessee. It is a wondrous keep that she called home, and now High Hallack opens its gates and allows these amazing stories to tumble out.

Lose yourself in her enchanted words, and read them again and again.

Norton’s stories have been curated in TALES FROM HIGH HALLACK, Volumes 1 (January 14, 2014), 2 (May 20, 2014), and 3 (Fall 2014). This collection of previously published short stories includes many themed anthologies from periodicals that are no longer in print.

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450 pages | Premier Digital Publishing | January 14, 2014

Alice Mary Norton (1912-2005) the “Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy,” published works for over seven decades as a author, editor and poet. Norton authored over 130 novels, almost one hundred short stories, in addition to editing several collections in the science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, and western genres. Norton was the first female winner of the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy prize as well as the Nebula Grand Master prize. Norton additionally obtained Skylark, Barlog, and World Fantasy prizes.

Purchase at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Review: Blood and Other Cravings ~ edited by Ellen Datlow

Review by Shellie for: Blood and Other Cravings ~ edited by Ellen Datlow

Not for just vampire lovers, this is another compelling and diverse collection of horror from some of the best in the genre,  edited by Ellen Datlow. What’s great about these stories, is they are not all based upon traditional “fangy” blood suckers since the cravings and feedings in this book are not only about blood.

About:  Published in the Fall of 2011, this is my second horror collection edited by Ellen Datlow. Although all the stories in this collection are exceptional, I have my favorites and have marked them with asterisks. In my opinion it’s one of those perfect Fall reads, especially for any reader who enjoys short stories, likes a scare before going to sleep (to induce interesting dreams), or who may be short on reading time.

**All You Can Do Is Breathe ~ by Kaaron Warren:   A stunning short that’s a 2012 Ditmar Award nominated story. It’s about a “very thin man” who feed on the survival instincts of the strongest survivors from close-to-death experiences. This story is one of my favorites from the collection.

Needles ~ by Elizabeth Bear:   Demons, vampires, and tattoo needles are the theme of this story which is set in the town of Needles, Arizona.

Baskerville’s Midgets ~ by Reggie Oliver:     It’s a dark competition between preforming midgets and dwarves that stretches beyond the grave, all set in a boarding house in what feels like 1930’s England.

Blood Yesterday, Blood Tomorrow ~ by Richard Bowes:   Two middle aged memorabilia sellers and “recovering blood-addicts” remember and long for the days when their addictions were active. And  become seduced back into their old lifestyle’s drama.

X for Demetrios ~ by Steve Duffy:   Based on a bizarre yet true story found in a newspaper article, this short is about a man with an extreme vampire phobia and obsession, and his relationship with the garlic he believes will protect him.

Keeping Corky ~ by Melanie Tem:    A “special” mom with paranormal abilities decides to take back her beloved child from his adopted parent and the system that placed him, both of which are attempting to prevent her from contact with her boy.

Shelf-Life ~ by Lisa Tuttle:   A childhood doll house takes on a life of its own and creates problems for a woman and her daughter in England.

**Caius ~ by Bill Pronzini and Barry N. Malsberg:    One of my favorites, it’s a short story  based on a radio talk/help show featuring a modern day messiah, his would-be worshipers, and his relationship to madness.

Sweet Sorrow ~ by Barbara Roden:  A very dark short about an elderly couple who feed on the sorrow of grieving parents and friends of lost children.

First Breath ~ by Nicole J. LeBoeuf:   A bizarre, twisty and surreal story with LGBT and reincarnation elements.

Toujours ~ by Kathe Koja:  An obsessed butler becomes an even greater part of his talented employer’s life, not only to be close to him but to spite the artist’s new wife.

Miri ~ by Steve Rasnic Tem: A photographer is pulled into an imbalanced relationship with an anorexic woman who sucks out of him a key ability that he uses in the creation of his work.

**Mrs. Jones ~ by Carol Emshwiller:   My favorite from this collection, this short is about two “old-maid” sisters, living together on their family farm. After years of juvenile-like conflict and competition between the two, they have an odd visitor who one of the sisters seduces. It’s darkly hilarious with a feminist twist.

Bread and Water ~ by Michael Cisco:  A dark short about an ill and constantly thirsty man, who is quarantined with others who have caught the same virus.

Mulberry Boys ~ by Margo Lanagan:   A revengeful short about surgically altered, bizarre “silk” producing and imprisoned boys, that has Margo Lanagan’s characteristic dark fairytale quality.

**The Third Always Behind You ~ by John Lanagan:   Another favorite from this collection, it’s about a dark love triangle that continues even after the death of one of the participants. It is wonderfully disturbing.

The Siphon ~ by Laird Barron:   An eternal bachelor con/salesman, after years of scummy behavior gets his just desserts by attracting a bevy of diverse and ancient demons.

Highly recommended, this is a great collection at 4 stars!

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Blood and Other Cravings, has several significant award nominations:

• Nominated for the 2012 World Fantasy Award for anthologies, where the winner will be announced at the beginning of November. http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/08/2012-world-fantasy-award-nominees-announced
• Was a finalist for the 2011 Shirley Jackson Awards for best anthology http://www.shirleyjacksonawards.org/sja_2011_winners.php
• Also it was nominated for the 2011 Bram Stoker Award: http://www.horror.org/stokerwinnom.htm

Review: Permanence ~ by Vincent Zandri

Review for Permanence ~ by Vincent Zandri

A tragic page turning story that has madness, and themes of water and fire at its core.

About:  This is the second version of Vincent Zandri’s award nominated story first published in 1995.  It’s a heartbreaking thriller with a broken main character named Mary Kismet. She has a family history of mental illness, her first baby drowned accidently in the household bathtub and her husband has subsequently left her. As she struggles to keep herself together, her only solace is her weekly visit to her psychiatrist, who has overstepped his professional boundaries. But he too has his secrets, which he is unable to share. The question is: will it take Mary over the edge?

Thoughts:  The above is the first part of a heart-stopping story which although interspersed with some happier moments spirals down, becoming more convoluted until its heartbreaking ending. Told in an unusual writing style, Zandri is both down to earth and unique in his word usage. He also does a fine job of taking the perspective of a woman on the edge or sanity.

With its theme of water running through the novel, there is a drowning and a trip to Venice as key events. So be prepared to be taken on a trip to Italy and more, where you have to keep reading to find out what’s going to happen next. I enjoyed this novella, give it a 3.5 stars, and recommend it for those who enjoy tragic thrillers.

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143 pages; Bear Media; (May 4, 2012) original publication by Northwest Pub (November 1995)

For more about the author and his numerous books link to his website: http://www.vincentzandri.com/

This story is part of a book tour, hosted by Partners in Crime. Link to Vincent Zandri’s tour page via the badge above.

Partners in Crime is also looking for reviewers. If interested information is provided on their website.

It will be included in The Short Story Challenge 2012.

Review: Wood (a novella) ~ by Robert Dunbar

Review by Shellie for: Wood ~ by Robert Dunbar

A metaphorical and darkly hilarious novella about an environmentally poisoned wood where a ravenous monster awakens.

About:  A young ward of the state decides to leave the safety of her group home to return home to her dying grandmother. Her friend reminds her of the darkness that lurks outside of the doors; a monster is waking up slowly to a deep hunger in the dead woods. There is no food to satisfy its need, not even a starving rat. Where will it feed?

A lonely gay man living on the edge of the woods opens his door for the runaway girl in time to save her from what lurks in the cold darkness. This is their story.

Thoughts:  A story with a moral, its more funny than scary – though that’s not to say that I did not get the chills or that my heart remained at its regular pace for the entire novel. It is a chilling tale. But laughing while one has goose pimples is a curious sensation; Wood definitely did this for me.

Even better, it’s only a 60 page novella with some colorful characters. Socially marginal individuals – these people are loners, orphans, and from the hidden classes of society. They are those that remain in the peripheral of our vision, barely noticed, but have their valid tales to tell. What’s important to their story is that these characters are not victims, creating a different example for those faced with real life horrors.

Intelligent with some snarky dialog, this is not a typical horror story. It’s an emotional roller coaster trip through metaphorical darkness and hilarity. A 4-star in my opinion. I recommended it for anyone who likes unusual characters, complex dry humor, and  surprisingly nice endings.

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Robert Dunbar is a writer, editor, and playwright. He has written for radio, television and theater and is the author of The Pines, The Shore, Martyrs & Monsters, and Willy.

He is amazingly funny and in his spare time he likes to imagine himself as a professional ice skater, or possibly a trainer of tarantulas for jungle pictures. Find out more about him at his website and blog; Goodreads (his group there ~ Literary Horror); Twitter; and Facebook.

For an insightful interview with Robert Dunbar, and more about his other books please see our post from 2011.

I reviewed Robert’s book WILLY in 2011 (text links to Shellie’s review). It also made our 2011 best of the year list (links to the list).

Have a fabulous weekend!

Review: All There Is: Love Stories from Storycorps ~ by David Isay

Review by Shellie for: All There Is: Love Stories from Storycorps ~ by David Isay

Do you want to read about real love? This is it, a special and endearing non fiction book which contains snippets of “real” lover’s conversations. A slim little book, it transcends gender, religion, and more… It will make you smile, giggle and shed bittersweet tears.

All There Is is a heart warming and heart breaking true story collection, containing transcriptions of many short conversations about couples’ love for each other – each typically two-three pages long. The conversations are with one another, or with friends or family members. Each person shares how they met, and perhaps lost, the most significant romantic partners of their lives.

For over a decade David Isay and Storycorps have made it a point to record stories for archival and historical purposes. He has two previous books and all are from audio format transcribed into books. Here is a bit about their mission quoted from All There Is:

Storycorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. With a relentless focus on recording the stories of people who are often excluded from the historical record, Storycorps captures lives that would otherwise be lost to history and reminds the nation that every story matters and every voice counts. (pp. 155)

I just love stuff like this, and as it’s partially funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which gives the book its particular flavor - one which is wonderful and grounding. I read stories about partners with Alzheimer's, AIDs, a variety of religious backgrounds, mixed races, and same genders. Each of the stories attest to the ideal that love transcends so much.

It is a book to pick up when one has just a few moments since each story will only take minutes to read. I recommend it for anyone needing a boost in remembering that true love does exist. It’s sweet, sometimes silly, and often heartbreaking. I adored this book even though I am not a big romance fan. It’s a 4.5 star in my opinion with its profusion of little colored hearts on the cover. Guaranteed to make even the most cynical reader cry. It did me.

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176 pages; Penguin Press; February 2012.

Author Bio:  Dave Isay is the founder of StoryCorps and the recipient of numerous broadcasting honors, including five Peabody Awards and a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship. He is the author/editor of numerous books that grew out of his public radio documentary work, including two StoryCorps books: Listening Is an Act of Love (2007) and Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps (2010)—both New York Times bestsellers.

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This review is part of a book tour hosted by TLC Book Tours. For more information on this book link to our host’s page for All There Is via the badge to the left.

For other reviews, below are several blogs linked up for this tour. Clicking on them will lead you to their reviews:

Tuesday, January 31st: Amused By Books

Wednesday, February 1st: A Bookish Way of Life

Thursday, February 2nd: Amusing Review

Friday, February 3rd: Book Hooked Blog

The “’love season” is descending quickly upon us. Better get those cards, flowers and chocolates ready, or not as the case may be. Only seven days left.

Thanks for reading.

Giveaway: Martyrs and Monsters ~ by Robert Dunbar

Giveaway: Martyrs & Monsters ~ by Robert Dunbar

We have one “real” copy for a US address, offered graciously by the author. It is a collection of tales of horror for intelligent adults; and are also tastefully written GLBT stories.

Martyrs & Monsters runs the gamut, embracing vampires and sea serpents, werewolves and swamp creatures . . . as well as a host of nightmares for which no names exist. Whether set on an orbiting space station or within a haunted tenement, these terrifying tales are steeped in a passionate intensity that renders them all but unique. 288 pages; Uninvited Books (2011) http://www.uninvitedbooks.com/

What is being said about the collection from “those in the know”: 

"The master of quiet horror returns with a superior collection of short stories. Carefully cadenced phrasing ... imbued with a trademark Southern Gothic sensibility and hauntingly sensual imagery ... touches a primordial fear center. Unnervingly erotic ... this is what horror does best."  ~ HellNotes

"A masterpiece." ~ Dark Scribe Magazine

"Brilliantly chilling ... searingly erotic." ~ The Edge

"Substantial amounts of panache and poetic insight."  ~ Cemetery Dance Magazine

"Provocative ... vivid and visceral."  ~ GUD Magazine

"Never less than brilliant."  ~ The Black Abyss

"A milestone of modern horror."  ~ The Black Glove

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Now for the Giveaway:

You do not need to be a follower to enter, but please do the following: 

• Follow ~ Robert Dunbar on his twitter account: https://twitter.com/UninvitedBooks
• OR
• Like ~ Uninvited Books on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uninvited-Books/169858549691114
• AND 
• Enter via the Google document below:

 

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Robert Dunbar is a writer, editor, and playwright. He has written for radio, television and theater and is the author of The Pines, The Shore, Martyrs & Monsters, and Willy.

He has achieved extraordinary levels of critical acclaim; he has penned articles for numerous and diverse publications; his mainstream fiction and his poetry have appeared in literary journals; and his plays have been produced in regional theatres. He has also scripted programs for public television and the Discovery Channel and is a frequent lecturer at colleges and literary societies.

But most importantly he is amazingly funny and in his spare time he likes to imagine himself as a professional ice skater, or possibly a trainer of tarantulas for jungle pictures. Find out more about him at his website and blog; Goodreads (his group there ~ Literary Horror); Twitter; and Facebook.

For an insightful interview with Robert Dunbar, and more about his other books please see our post from 2011.

I reviewed Robert’s book WILLY in 2011 (text links to Shellie’s review). It also made our 2011 best of the year list (links to the list).

Good luck!

Review: Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day ~ by Ben Loory

Review by Shellie for:  Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day ~ by Ben Loory

An intriguing book of very short literary stories with mostly horrific speculative twists. It has an unusual insight and quirkiness with unique and thought-provoking stories, and some that will leave you with a smirk.

This is author Ben Loory’s first book of odd tales, yet he has published many in literary magazines over the past several years. His new collection feels like modern and bizarre fables - a book for those looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

The stories range from downright silly and funny to completely strange, while others will make your heart ache and more than a few may prevent you from sleeping. The stories in the book contain themes ranging from talking octopi who live on land rather than water and live like humans, to monsters of various kinds and much more. Definitely an adult book with some mature themes and not recommended for youngsters; it’s a book for “kids at heart”.

I read the book in it’s ARC/ebook format, but I have seen the paperback copy at our local indie book store. It is small, thin and easy to handle or to carry with you. Perhaps pick it up and read when there is a extra few minutes to fill, maybe before bed, or any time where one is interested in a mind altering, or potentially guffaw inducing “quickie” – each story will only take a few minutes to read. I give this collection a 3.5 stars and just love the interesting cover with the orange tentacle, UFO and blue water back ground.

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Bio:   Ben Loory was born in New Jersey and graduated from Harvard. He later attained his MFA from the American Film Institute and as a screenwriter. His fables and tales have appeared-or are upcoming-in such widely varied publications as The New Yorker, ESPN The Magazine, Space and Time and The Antioch Review. He lives in Los Angeles, in a house on top of a hill. http://www.benloory.com/; http://twitter.com/#!/benloory

I picked this copy up for review at Net Galley. It will be included in the Basics Challenge – where I explore speculative fiction.

Thanks for reading.

Reviews: “Lament for Lost Atlanta” and “Journal of a Civil War Nurse”

Two short story reviews by Shellie. First up: “Lament for Lost Atlanta” ~ by Arlan Andrews

Told from the perspective of a young man who resides in what is left of an almost unrecognizable “dystopian US”, where the south is very different than it is today.

In an alternative future (a post Civil War America of sorts) this short story examines a South where the Union did not embrace the Confederates after the war.  As is often the custom by the winners of a war, there is a changed “mythology” around the war’s history - where the heroes from the loosing side are portrayed as villains by the usurpers. In this sad story all are designated as “terrorists”, including the beloved Robert E. Lee.

What is terrific about this readable short are its realistic consequences; looking at what is considered a terrorist, then thinking about how this kind of “mentality” is created in a person or group. Better yet (for me at least) is that this story occurs on Western soil, so I have a relatable and recognizable face for the quintessential “bad guy”.

Highly recommended, this story is a 4.5 star in my opinion. One of my favorite type of reads: a story with social relevance, a glimpse inside the complexity of human nature revealing how character can be created or destroyed, and answering a question that I personally have been struggling with.

About the author:  Arlan Andrews has been writing for more than 30 years, with his work published in various magazines and intellectual journals. He is a member of the SFWA and resides in Texas. For an interesting 2007 article from USA Today where Andrews and 4 other science fiction authors of “deviant thinking” are consulted on warding off terrorist attacks: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-05-29-deviant-thinkers-security_N.htm

Alt Hist is a relatively new and promising magazine featuring historical fiction and alternative history stories. This first issue contains 5 more shorts on various subjects and is where this great story was found. For more info: http://althistfiction.com/

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Second up: “Journal of a Civil War Nurse” ~ by Georgiann Baldino

A too short, short story about the conditions that existed during the US Civil War from the perspective of a nurse.

Based upon actual letters by Cornelia Hancock, a US Civil War nurse, this is a well written historical fiction that I recommend if you are interested in the day-to-day horrors of war as opposed to the battles. Which is what intrigues me the most, reading about the actual human losses which puts a realistic face on the tragedy of war. Too bad it was just not long enough. Regardless I give it a 3.5 stars.

Available as an ebook (free) at Barnes & Noble.

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Although a bit behind with this post - these two short stories were read for several 2011 challenges: The War Through the Generations – US Civil War 2011; Dystopian Challenge; and the Basics Challenge where I explore speculative fiction. Link to our - 2011 Challenge List.

Personal update: We are a bit behind with our posts since we still have a house full of relatives. But it sure is fun catching up with family.  Thanks for reading.

Review by Shellie: Haunted Legends ~ edited by Ellen Datlow and Nick Mamatas

 

A diverse collection of ghost stories based on actual legends, making it all the more interesting, fun, and just plain scary. 

This book was a complete pleasure to read, and what a perfect time of year to do so.  Part of the reason that I got so excited about this collection is that each of the stories is prefaced with a bit about each of the authors, and then concluded with a little snippet by the author about how he/she has come to write the story and the legend it was based upon. I clamor over stuff like this.

The fact that these stories have a foot in reality and are set currently is even more appealing to me. I do like horror which I can personally relate to.  Better yet is that it is a fairly diverse collection, taking legends from South America and Mexico, the UK, US/Native American, Japan, the Caribbean, the Ukraine, Vietnam, and India. Its diversity is an aspect which has an immense appeal for me.

Now onto the good bits!  Here are a few sentences (with no spoilers) on each of the stories based on ghost legends from around the world, with my personal favorites designated with asterisks.

"Knickerbocker Holiday" ~ by Richard Bowes.  This story is based upon the headless horseman. It is set currently and feels like it may be a chapter from a book which the author may be publishing. It is GLBT.

*** "That Girl"   ~  by Kaaron Warren. ***   Based around a local urban legend of a young woman who appears in local taxi cabs. Eerily it has links to an insane asylum making it all the more disconcerting.

"Akbar"  ~  by Kit Reed.  Based on a legend from India, it is set in an ancient abandoned settlement built into the desert walls of a canyon. It has a haunting of sorts.

“The Spring Heel”  ~  by Steve Pirie.  This is a very dark tale about a homeless woman set in the locale of England and based upon the legend of a “Spring Heel”.

“As Red as Red"  ~  by Caitlin R. Kiernan.  This story is a bit more atmospheric than horrific and yet is very good. It is also GLBT.

*** "Tin Cans"  ~  by Ekaterina Sedia. ****   Based on an actual horrific character from Russian history which has some very interesting social ramifications, specifically on those whom assisted this “monster”  with his base behaviors.

“Shoebox Train Wreck” ~  by John Mantooth  A psychologically horrific tale about guilt and its connection to a train wreck. This is a heart wrenching story.

"15 Panels Depicting the Sadness of the Baku and the Jotai," ~  by Catherynne M. Valente.  An unusual story with an amazing premise, which is around a bizarre and interesting myth from Japan. Valente has a writing style which is akin to poetry, and considering the subject this writing style is perfect for the story.

“La Llorona”  ~  by Carolyn Turgeon. The legend of the weeping woman from Mexico and South American is a prevalent one and forms the basis for this story. It is very sad.

“Face Like a Monkey”  ~ by Carrie Laben.  Based upon an urban legend set in the border towns of the US of a bird/bat/monkey-like creature that is said to haunt the area and Mexico.

*** "Down Atsion Road"  ~ by Jeffery Ford. ***    A story the author created from his own experiences in the area where he lives. So it’s based upon a truth of sorts, and on local Native American legend which has fused into the local history.

"Return to Mariabronn"  ~ by Gary A. Braunbeck.  There are urban legends of ghosts roaming rural US highway all around the country. This is one, and is read below via podcast link. The reader has an incredible voice and is perfect for the season.

*** “Following Double-Faced Woman” ~ by Erzbet YellowBoy. ***  A very sad and powerful tale which links a local Native American legend with drug addiction.

“Oaks Park”  ~ by M.K. Hobson  A personal tale set around a girl whose ghost haunts an old amusement park.

“For Those in Peril on the Sea”  ~ by Stephen Dedman  The author has taken reality shows to a new high in this story set on a cursed boat.

“The Foxes”  ~ by Lily Hoang.   Based upon a personal family legend which the author turns into a story. This is a very unusual telling and set in Vietnam.

*** "The Redfield Girls"  ~  by Laird Barron. ***  A group of middle aged women visit a lake cabin on their yearly summer get together. The legends attest that it is haunted or has demons in its murks. I had heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and goose pimples while reading this story. I would have to say that this was my favorite of the collection.

“Between Heaven and Hull”  ~ by Pat Cadigan.  This short story is set in England and is at once creepy and funny. It has a link to one of the editors. Having driven in the UK “on the wrong side of the road” and thinking about Americans attempting it makes this story particularly terrifying.

“Chucky Comes to Liverpool”  ~ by Ramsey Campbell.   This was not my favorite of the bunch, since Chucky creeps me out beyond annoyance. This is nothing to do with the author’s abilities and creativity, and the fact that the author connects the story to actual incidents occurring in Liverpool regarding censorship makes this story very poignant.

"The Folding Man"  ~  by Joe Lansdale.  I do have to say this is probably the most graphic/gory of the tales. It is also mind bending, the stuff of childhood nightmares, and very American.

All in all this is a wonderful collection. It is on the top of my list of favorite read this year at 4.5 stars. The best part is now I have 20 more authors to include in my list of books to search out and read. As I have mentioned, I have become a fan of Ellen Datlow since Spring of this year, and now have Nick Mamatas on my list as well.

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We also have a special treat which includes no candy or calories - courtesy of Tor. Thank you Alexis! 

In this audio clip, as mentioned above,  is one of the stories read in a deep and atmospheric voice. Its so perfect for Halloween! You can download it to your computer to  iTunes. Please enjoy:  "Return to Mariabronn" ~ by Gary A. Braunbeck. 

Attributions: The above podcast/audio file was created by Ohio State University’s CSTW Writers Talk interviews.  I am not sure how long this link will be available so check it out soon!

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If you would like more information on this freshly released book please see Layers of Thought’s preview for Haunted Legends.  Amazon purchasing links for US|Canada|UK.

This review will be included in the RIPV Challenge, The Speculative Fiction Challenge and The Basics.

Enjoy your Halloween weekend, and please stay tuned for one more post related to the fright season and then we change gears for the Fall.

Reviews by Shellie ~ Scary Shorts, Movies, and Book Contest Links

 

Swamp Thing?  ~  Nope.

But its so campy,  and I liked the spooky picture.  So with a play on words and the fact that I may be “swamping” readers with these multiple mini horror-ish reviews –  with that in mind skim and skip to those bits of your liking or interest. Be sure to check the bottom of the post since I am linking a huge blog hop where you can win Halloween related books all designed for those who want a chill for the season. 

Now on to the reviews.

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Short Story:  Recrossing the Styx  ~ by  Ian R. MacLeod 

• From Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine
• Non affiliate back copy purchasing link for July/August 2010.

This was an intriguing short by Ian R, MacLeod; I have not read anything of his writing prior to this. I  will definitely be looking out for more or his writing. This short is a dystopian with an element of horror. But what dystopian doesn’t have a scare factor? 

The setting is in a future US where the landscape has become environmentally sterile. Many of our current practices are still in place, such as those nasty “consumeristic” tendencies. Things have changed just every so slightly, and there now exists a section of the population - which are referred to as the “dead” – who have been re-animated thanks to medical advances which have allowed some body parts to be replaced. The availability of this treatment is based upon the ability to pay for it. 

This has created a large population of wealthy, old, rickety, piecemeal people who spend their time on cruise ships floating on a lifeless sea having body parts replaced, including the frequent “jump starts” when things really do completely give out.  But here's the really creepy bit - where do these spare parts come from? I’m not telling….. *giggle*

I do have to say that MacLeod is an exceptional writer. His writing is easy to read yet his wording and message are complex. This particular story has that dry twist which is darkly funny and so very entertaining. The ending is great and unexpected making this type of short are my very favorite. Highly recommended.

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Short Stories:  Dark Faith ~  edited by Maurice Broaddus and Jerry Grodon

• Smashword purchasing link.
• Published by Apex Publications ~ May. 07, 2010
• pages – 338

Basis for the collection ~ Editor’s Quote:   ….we all believe in something. So I invited horror, science fiction, and fantasy writers to riff on the idea of faith. Who we are, artists and people of faith, expressing our theology, whatever it may be, in our writing. And with the challenge to take it to another level: art is never for its own sake, but for people’s sake. I believe that art should be engaged with—and, in its own way, explore—truth; and we shouldn’t be afraid of truth, no matter where it takes us.

Thoughts around several stories/poems from this collection:

While the editor is deeply committed to his personal faith, I like the fact that in a search for horror/art and mind bending stories he has included the varying beliefs that each author has represented in this collection. So these stories display diversity and many belief systems.

“The Story of Belief-Non” (Poem) by Linda D. Addison ~  A lovely poem where the writer holds science as her belief system.

“Ghosts of New York” by Jennifer Pelland  ~  This particular story is based on a ghost who is doomed to repeat her jump from one of the two towers on 9-11. This is a difficult and sad read, and pulls in some history from New York and its older tragedies which are also paralleled within the story. It questions what occurs after death and why would one become a tethered ghost, as is the main character. It leaves the reader with an uneasy sense of disquiet and wondering about how our lives really end.

“I Sing a New Psalm” by Brian Keene   ~  This is a poem written in the format of a modern psalm, which tells a horrific and sad story, and recounts the teller’s loss of faith.

“He Who Would Not Bow” by Wrath James White ~ This is a very scary story about the Angel of Death and an unforgiving and cruel God who takes over Earth and demands fealty.

There are twenty odd stories in this collection and what better way to find a new favorite author. Here are the titles for a few other stories in the collection, with authors that I recognize:

“The Last Words of Dutch Schultz Jesus Christ” ~ Nick Mamatas
“You Dream” ~ Ekaterina Sedia
“Mother Urban’s Booke of Dayes” ~ Jay Lake
“Days of Flaming Motorcycles” ~ Catherynne M. Valente

This book comes very highly recommended from several friends on Goodreads. I do have to agree so far and for $4.99 you cannot beat it. The Smashwords link for purchase is in the title above.

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Movies:

The Cave ~ In the hopes of exploring a legendary cave a group of professionals looking for unknown life forms find its opening in the mountains of Transylvania. As this expert team gets trapped below the surface they find they are not alone, and its not just bats. US/UK/Canada - The Cave

We watched this several years ago and had forgotten until the very end. It tells you how memorable the story is. Fortunately there is another movie released close to the same time which occurs in a cave as well. I would opt for it. US/UK/Canada  - The Descent

 

 Vampyr ~ This is touted as one of the first movies to have had sound and was filmed in the 1930s. It is very atmospheric and has very little or no gore; it is worth the watch just to see the differences in techniques for making movies when the options for editing and special effects were very limited. I liked it. Quite funny in bits actually, and it would be suitable for most children.

One bit of trivia, the financier who funded the movie did so on agreement that he could be one of the main characters. US/UK/Canada  - Vampyr

 

 

Jacob’s Ladder ~  Now this movie gets a five star in our book. It is one of the best horror flicks I have seen and would even count it as one of my favorite movies. It is based upon the terror a man feels after he returns from Vietnam… or perhaps not. This eerie, surreal, horrific, and mind bending film is very highly recommended. US/UK/Canada  - Jacob’s Ladder

 

 

Pandorum ~ If you like science fiction and horror this will be a movie you love. If you don’t then I would skip it. The movie settings are incredible and the monster is very very creepy. They did some fancy art work and incredible makeup in this movie. I do have to say the martial arts are a bit over the top but a good movie never the less. US/UK/Canada  - Pandorum

I have to credit a few new friends on twitter from #SciFiChat who recommended this several weeks ago.  We loved it.

Do note that with the possible exception of Vampyr I do not recommend any of the above movies for children.

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Link Up to Win Books:  A huge number of giveaways is being offered via the Spooktacular Blog Hop which I have joined for the season. The books which are offered from Layers of Thought are:

• Fire Burn & Cauldron Boil and To Kill a Warlock ~ by HP Mallory (urban fantasy romance ebooks)
• Bood Song and Siren Song ~ by Cat Adams (scary vampire series)
• The Half-Made World ~ by Felix Gilman (steampunk western)
• Dying Light ~ by Scott M. Meek (futuristic sci fi vampire)

You do not need to be a subscriber to enter any of the above giveaways and two are international. These giveaways can be found with the 87 other blogs who are hosting similar books at the Spooktacular Blog Hop post.

You have until October 31st 12 pm EST to enter most of the contests. Good Luck!

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This review list was specifically created for the RIP V Challenge for the movie and short story portion. And although this scary challenge is almost over stay tuned to Stainless Steel Droppings for the Once Upon a Time challenge in the spring which is based upon fantasy and fairy tales. I can’t wait.

Until then enjoy your chills and thrills ~ Happy Almost Halloween!

Short Story Review: “John Uskglass and the Cumbrian Charcoal Burner” from Susanna Clarke’s The Ladies of Grace Adieu – plus Inquiries into The Raven King

  

This is a review of a short story, some miscellaneous finds around the story subject,  and a summary post for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. (Badge links to the beginning post for the challenge) 

Mini Synopsys:     This short story, “John Uskglass and the Cumbrian Charcoal Burner”  is apparently based upon an ancient fable about the Raven King/Fairy King/John Uskglass/Oberon/and more – all being one and the same name. The theme of the fable and this story is a king being fooled by a common man.

This common man, a charcoal burner, is unaware that the man hunting near his home is in fact the Raven King. He becomes outraged when his home, garden, and supper are ruined by the king’s hunting party. This creates indignation in the charcoal burner, where he then takes some extreme measures to get back at the Fairy King.

Thoughts:    This is the second story that I have read in this collection by Susanna Clarke. It is actually a light and slightly humorous story, and I would say although I enjoyed it, I did not quite as much as “Antickes and Frets” (see my review and misc info post). However, it has intrigued me more, as you will see from the research and links below. 

The Intriguing Bit:   I have never really been a big fairy fan, although recently I am finding current retellings of  some classic stories, especially those of a dark ilk, especially fascinating.  As a child fairies always felt too frilly, and fluffy. I preferred aliens, mythic gods or goddesses, other legends such as Nessie, big foot, or trolls. So my adult knowledge of fairies is very limited.

Now in my 40s, for some reason fairy tales have come into my interest orbit. The name the Raven King intrigued me, amazingly so. So as any self respecting computer addict would do I “Googled” it. Expecting loads of information around the search, I found very few pages with substantial stuff regarding him. I did, however, find that he has a variety of names, like the names mentioned above - Fairy King, Oberon… and that he is linked to King Author and Camelot. Some legends even say that King Author was the Raven King.

Here is the information that I found which is of substance. This quote was taken from an online encyclopedia at StateMaster.com. The live links in the text are Wikipedia links for more information on the particulars for the subject word.

Oberon, also Auberon, King of the Fairies, is most well-known as a character in William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, written in the mid-1590s. Oberon gives his wife, Titania, a potion that causes her to fall in love with Bottom - in order to get the changeling, who was given to Titania by her dying maid.

And an interesting bit, via this same source:

..the medieval concept of the character Oberon arose from a multitude of earlier sources.

Susanna Clarke specifically  tells readers her thoughts around this character, which she molded for her story. He plays a role in her award winning book Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. This excerpt is taken from an interview on her website:

The Raven King had an odd genesis. Ursula Le Guin has a magician in the Earthsea trilogy who has no name: the Grey Mage of Paln, whose magic was so dubious, his name was forgotten. And there’s a magician in The Lord of the Rings, right at the very end, who comes out of Mordor to do battle against our heroes, and no one knows his name because he himself has forgotten it. I thought this was rather cool, and when I was developing my magicians, I wanted one without a name.

Unfortunately I hadn’t quite understood what would happen if I had a major character without a name. The consequence has been that he has acquired more names than most people: the Raven King, John Uskglass, the Black King, the King of the North and a fairy name that no one can pronounce.

All very interesting and leading to a number of wonderful links, and misc connections.  One in particular is from a creative new blog called Celestial Elf; Machinima. Here Celestial Elf (the blog owner) put together a short video within the online game Second Life. It’s based upon a poem he wrote about the Raven King, where he reads it with an English accent within the video. 

 

 

You can read a portion of the short story online - “John Uskglass and the Cumbrian Charcoal Burner”. 

If you know anything about the Raven King, have books you recommend, or links about this subject, sharing them in the comments would be wonderful!

For your convenience purchasing links from Amazon for the books mentioned in the post are linked below:

• Amazon purchasing links for The Ladies of Grace Adieu - US/UK/Canada.
• Amazon purchasing links for Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - US/UK/Canada.

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Challenge Conclusion:  This is the last short story, and post, for this year’s Once Upon a Time Challenge. I will have completed three shorts and three books. To see my thoughts about them see the links below. All are excellent stories. 

Short Stories:

1. “Antickes and Frets”  by Susanna Clarke from The Ladies of Grace Adieu.
2. “The Goosle”  by Margo Lanagan from The Best Horror.
3. “John Uskglass and the Cumbrian Charcoal Burner”.  

Books:

1. Keeper by Kathi Appelt  (young adult/tween, mythic – slipstream)
2. The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight by Gina Ochsner  (slip stream, literary)
3. The Song of the Whales –  by Uri Orlev  (translated children’s fable, slip stream/magical realism)

I would like to thank Carl V. from Stainless Steel Droppings for hosting this fun challenge.

Have a great Monday!

Short Story Weekends - Review: Antickes and Frets by Susanna Clarke

Antickes and Frets is one of eight stories taken from the collection The Ladies of Grace Adieu and other stories written by Susanna Clarke. Most of which where written prior to her multiple award winning novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.  This 14 page short story is a slightly magic-imbued telling of the capture and imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It shows a side of this highly flawed and complex historic character. She has an edgy and evil side within the tale.

Highly recommended for anyone, even those whom are not fond of fantasy, but especially those who enjoy old English history. Here is a quote which John (my husband and a Brit himself) selected from reading the story at my insistence – he is not a big fantasy fan but we may convert him yet. It demonstrates the author’s incredible grasp on language and the quality of the character herself. Here Mary is contemplating the demise of her husbands:

The Queen of Scots’ husbands had never consulted her convenience in their dying. Her first, the King of France, had died at the age of sixteen and so she had lost the throne – a circumstance which had caused her great pain. Her second husband (whom she hated and wished dead) had fallen ill in the most tantalizing way, but had utterly failed to die – until some kind person had first blown him up and then strangled him.

From reading this quote it is easy to see why she has won numerous awards for her work.

This particular hard cover first edition I am reading is gorgeous, especially so because it is illustrated by Charles Vess. He decorates the pages between the stories with lovely black and white thin lined drawings on old fashioned scalloped pages. It has an embossed cover with no cover jacket - see to the right. I have only just learned about Vess via Carl V via The Once Upon a Time IV Challenge – badge above links to the site.

Excitingly, Vess will be at a local function here in the Phoenix area, LepreCon 36, next weekend and we are hoping to attend. (If any one is attending let us know!) I only wish I owned this first edition copy. It is borrowed from the local library, but if it where mine I could have him autograph it.

                                               A bit more around the book and examining the introduction to this collection, which is purportedly written by a Professor James Sutherland – Director of Sidhe Studies (fairy), University of Aberdeen. I was amazed that such a program would even exist, and from researching it I believe it is one of the tales. Being the sucker such as I am, I almost fell for it and was quite disappointed since I dreamed of attending the post graduate program there.  Link here to read this interesting introduction.

At the linked above site you can also read one of two very short stories from the collection The Duke of Wellington Misplaces his Horse, as well as John Uskglass and the Cumbrian Charcoal Burner.  The last is what I plan to read and review next, which has some interesting history and connections.

• Amazon purchasing links for The Ladies of Grace Adieu - US/UK/Canada.
• Amazon purchasing links for Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - US/UK/Canada.

Please note the Amazon links to the copies above are of the least expensive paperback and differ from the covers pictured here. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Short Story Review: The Goosle by Margo Lanagan - for the Once Upon a Time Challenge IV

• The Goosle
• by Margo Lanagan
• Genre: fairy tale “after telling”, dark fantasy, horror

The Goosle is a ten page short story which is part of The Best Horror of the Year – Volume 1, edited by Ellen Datlow. I stumbled upon it in the library entry way display shelf. Because I love horror and Margo Lanagan’s name was on the cover, I picked it up hopefully. I was imagining that she would in fact be writing a fairy tale ”ish” story, as in her book Tender Morsels (my 5 star review linked.) I was happily excited.

This short story is a very dark “afterwards” to Hansel and Gretel. It occurs after the actual tale, when Hansel is a young man instead of a boy. There is no Gretel and things have changed greatly since he was a small child lost in the woods. I would say they are a bit more complicated. He is caught up in another tangle of sorts, albeit worse than being lost in the woods. I will go no further since I do not want to include spoilers, but Lanagan brings in a number of taboo subjects making it shocking. I think to finish this short story the reader needs to truly enjoy “dark fantasy”. It is however a fantastic story, heart wrenching, thoughtful, as well as layered. One of my favorite types of reading. After reading this piece, and it is only my second by this author, I am thinking Margo Lanagan is one of the best writers of dark fantasy that I have read, and she is heading for a place at the top of all writers as well. Highly recommended, especially for those with strong stomachs, hearts, and sensibilities. Now to find more short stories which can compete *sigh*.

This story also has GLBT elements.

 

Book Stats:

Paperback: 350 pages

Publisher: Night Shade Books (October 15, 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1597801615

ISBN-13: 978-1597801614

Amazon Links: US/UK/Canada

This is my first post for The Once Upon a Time Challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings.

 

Now off to the trails, for a “walk”. Sadly the season will be ending soon. It will be in the high 80s today in our lovely “Hotsdale”, only to reach oven like status before we know it. Happy Sunday everyone!

A Theme Poem - The Layers

As I was reading the book Ten Poems to Set you Free from the author/poem collector Roger Housden I found this poem which has the name of my blog in its title. This particular poem is by Stanley Kunitz an American poet who died in 2006. It's a wonderful poem and speaks to the reader of ways in which he/she can change his/her life. Here it is:

The Layers

I have walked through many lives,

some of them my own,

and I am not who I was,

though some principle of being

abides, from which I struggle not to stray.

When I look behind,

as I am compelled to look

before I can gather strength

to proceed on my journey,

I see the milestones dwindling

toward the horizon

and the slow fires trailing

from the abandoned camp-sites,

over which scavenger angels

wheel on heavy wings.

Oh, I have made myself a tribe

out of my true affections,

and my tribe is scattered!

How shall the heart be reconciled

to its feast of losses?

In a rising wind

the manic dust of my friends,

those who fell along the way,

bitterly stings my face.

yet I turn, I turn,

exulting somewhat,

with my will intact to go

wherever I need to go,

and every stone on the road

precious to me.

In my darkest night,

when the moon was covered

and I roamed through wreckage,

a nimbus-clouded voice

directed me:

"Live in the layers,

not on the litter."

Though I lack the art

to decipher it,

no doubt the next chapter

in my book of transformations

is already written,

I am not done with my changes.

Ten Poems to Set You Free