Horror Review Of Literature

 

Gathering Flowers, by Will Jacques

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We have some great reviews of horror literature for you here. If there’s anything more fun than reading a horror story, it’s reading ABOUT a horror story. Old or new, small-press, or mass-market, we don’t make distinctions, good literature is good literature. So join some of the most talented horror writers working in the supernatural field today as they review the best in fright fiction.

In parts of Africa insects and insect larva are considered important sources of protein.

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Generation Dead, by Daniel Waters – Review by Ross Warren

All across America teenagers are rising from the grave…and going back to school.

That is the premise of this delightful debut novel from Daniel Waters. The story revolves around a love triangle between Goth girl Phoebe, her Football playing neighbour Adam and Tommy, the ‘living impaired’ boy newly arrived at their school.

Lazy comparisons will no doubt be made to the glut of paranormal romance fiction from the likes of Stephanie Meyer and Karen Chance; however this novel could not be more different. Here there are no impending apocalypses to be prevented or beasts of Hell to be destroyed, just the eminently more frightening prospect of surviving a year at an American high school.

Although the plot is light, the characters by comparison are more complex and richly drawn than is normally to be found in genre novels aimed at the teenage market. The zombie, or ‘differently biotic’ characters are particularly impressive and Waters displays immense talent in differentiating to the reader the varying levels in ability and communication of the dead protagonists. Waters uses his premise to highlight the social and commercial side of teen life, a particular highlight being the range of zombie grooming products for the ‘active undead male’. That’s not to say that the author over does the social commentary, indeed the more obvious comparison to racism is only briefly touched upon in order to maintain the lightness of tone.  The actual reason behind the sudden rising of dead teens is left pleasingly under explained with only theories and rumours mentioned and the hint of sinister experimentation taking place at the Hunter Foundation. This puts the reader in an empathic position with the living characters, in particular Phoebe, as we are learning about the zombies along with them.

There are several criticisms, although only minor ones, that can be levelled at the book. Firstly over the opening chapters Waters has a tendency to switch between referring to his characters by their first names, surnames and nicknames which can cause a little confusion. Secondly some of the minor characters feel clichéd, such as the merchandise pushing Skip Slydell, but these may well be portrayed in more depth in later instalments of the series.

            Generation Dead is a tragedy in the best traditions of Shakespeare, with an ending that is both heartbreakingly unexpected but entirely right in the context of the story that has preceded it. This novel is expected to be the start of a series, the seeds of which are sown well in this opening instalment. An entertaining and emotional journey waits to unfold before us and I intend to follow it all the way, I recommend you do the same.

A traveller enjoying a special meal at a Thailand bug restaurant.

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Old Flames, By Jack Ketchum – Review by Ross Warren

When horror writer Stephen King refers to another author as the ‘scariest guy in America’ people are going to take notice. Sadly the comment, about author Jack Ketchum, was evidently not made after reading the title novella, coupled here with a similarly themed tale from earlier in the writer’s career.

            ‘Old Flames’ is a well written thriller but it isn’t really horrific or frightening. The plot concerns Dora, a recently dumped career woman, who rues the missed opportunity of a high school romance with Jim that ended prematurely through her stubbornness. Through an agency, Flame Finders, she is able to track him down to LA where he lives with a wife and two children. What ensues is a by the numbers thriller that is reminiscent of made-for-TV movies from the 80’s, particularly in a swimming pool scene which borders on cliché.  

            Jack Ketchum is a skilled writer and there is nothing wrong in the execution of the tale it’s just that ultimately the plot is too flimsy and the characters too un-likeable to make this story engaging. Having said that it is a quick and engrossing read, although Ketchum appears to have lost the comma key from his computer, so rarely is it used, which leaves you almost unable to pause till the end of the paragraph. This is peculiar to this story and appears to be a conscious choice on the author’s part, possibly to convey a sense of the way in which Dora is ploughing ahead with her actions without pause to consider the implications of her decisions.

            The additional bonus novella, Right to Life, is actually the longer of the two stories but being a re-print from earlier in Ketchum’s career you can see why it is not the story on the cover. The protagonist of this story is Sara, who like Dora is a strong willed woman, who finds herself pregnant with the baby of her married lover. Choosing to have an abortion, she is abducted whilst on her way to the clinic. Her kidnappers imprison and abuse her with the aim of taking the baby for themselves. Sara uses her strength of character to remain dignified until the moment arises when she can attempt her escape. This story is arguably more effective than Old Flames and is certainly more gruesome and horrific.      

            As an introduction to the themes and style of Ketchum’s work these two novellas are an adequate representation and should be sufficient to compel the reader to search out his more entertaining works such as the acclaimed Girl Next Door and Red.

    

This is “Paul,” eating bugs

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The Wood, by Andrew Richardson - Review by Colin Hersh

 In preparation of publish her book disproving the Celtic Myths, Kathleen Mahoney and eight other will venture into the woods to experience life as the Celts once did. It’s there in the wood that they discover just how wrong they were.

           I don’t know much about Irish mythology, but this one really did grab my attention and hold it. It had a smooth flow and was fast paced without feeling rushed. The characters were strong, and some where used as powerful tools used to strengthen the plot. Plot point or person, they were all well constructed and four dimensional which is always a plus that I for one have found difficult to capture. As I said, I’m unfamiliar with the myths that this one was based upon, but that didn’t stop me from clearly understanding what the characters were up against. The descriptions were solid and clear, and Andrews vast knowledge of the Myths and facts really shows through. His tale is full of both graphic and psychological terror that will keep you up at night pondering this one for a long time to come. This, the second of three novels by Richardson is a great read and shows that Andrew is heading to the top.  

Here’s another travel-adventure girl about to sample a tasty tidbit of Oriental magic.

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Frenzy, by Carol Johnstone – Review by Colin Hersh 

Frenzy was essentially a powerful psychological horror about a random assortment of eight guys who wake up on a life raft together floating over the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean with no memory of how or why they got there. Writing it out like that may not sound like much, but when you get into the story it has an ever growing feel of desperation and foreboding that leads to a tension filled climax. The characters and their interactions are top notch, and the scenes are presented to the reader crystal clear so that you can really see it in your mind. It’s fast paced, with no speed bumps slowing down the momentum, and leaves you wanting more. Many writers who put out a lot of books haven’t been able to pull off these things I’ve mentioned nearly so well as Carol has done with this one, and I’d say she has a lot of good books in her future.

 

 

Here’s a crazy chef about to eat a nummy bug. He describes himself as “a little kooky.” I would say so.

 

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Robin Hood and Friar Tuck: Zombie Killers, by Paul A. Freeman – Review by Colin Hersh

Robin Hood and Friar Tuck: Zombie Killers was another fine read. The characters from the original Robin Hood play their part in this tale of zombies. While on the crusades, Friar Tuck was a member of Sir Guy’s group that took down a man that was both evil and wealthy. This man had been using a zombie army to protect him and his riches but the Englishmen managed to defeat him all the same. When the necromancer fell, the zombies were free to do what they do best; eat people. Lady Clair, Sir Guy’s wife, was unfortunately infected and returned to England before she died of the zombie virus. Friar Tuck swiftly recruited Robin Hood and his merry men to stop the evil being before it was to late for England and the world.

It’s a tale about the tragedies that greed produces and the bravery of the honest and loyal few. It’s a rebirth of the Canterbury Tales that will bring us back to the classics with it’s brilliant and poetic prose. A must read for fans of horror and Robin Hood, and just a plain good fun tale for readers of all ages.

 

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There will be plenty more reviews coming in the future. Check back often!       

This guy chose a very revealing picture of himself to use for an Internet dating service.

What I love about this picture is the little plastic spoon.