Succumbing To Gravity by Richard Farnsworth

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I cracked this one open. I tend to find that fiction that focuses on angels, demons, and horror do one of two things. They either re-invent something that didn't need to be re-invented, actively deterring the reader from getting past the first act in the book, or it takes all of the major conventions of the genre and plays them out in a well ordered way - entertaining the reader, but ultimately leaving no distinct impressions that can be seen to advance the genre.

Succumbing To Gravity does neither. In fact, I'd say that this book is a complete standout in terms of this theme. Farnsworth not only grabs the reader with his eloquent and accomplished writing style, but he also takes you on the type of trip that is sorely needed in horror these days.

Greg used to be an angel, but that was an eternity ago. Back when he was Araqiel, part of the celestial chorus. Back before he gave in to his temptations. Before he fell. Now he roams the wet streets of a hopeless city, feeding his addictions and punishing himself for sins that cannot be forgiven. But when a desperate girl and a host of vengeful demons cross his path, Greg must choose between redemption and damnation. For him, the two may not be so different.

I'm no stranger to dark fiction with a religious theme. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that it's my preferred sub-genre of horror fiction. The Amityville Horror, The Exorcist, and various others, are books that I consider to be my favorites. If you dig deep enough, you'll even find a review of Dark Sacrament - a book detailing to accounts of 2 priests and their "adventures" in exorcism. The idea that there are things out there - steeped in faith and believing - that are out to get us, is an incredibly versatile and terrifying prospect.

Farnsworth uses the above mentioned themes in order to achieve something awesome, investing the reader in the exploits of a fallen angel and making us actually give a damn. The main character is both charismatic and pathetic, eliciting a one-two combo of sympathy and disgust. Personally, I found him to be most satisfying. The one liners in his dialogue are delivered beautifully, providing the reader an opportunity to laugh at the same time as being completely concerned by the harrowing situation that Greg is currently in. Greg (a heroin addicted fallen angel) is a fantastic example of how to write the sort of anti-hero that the comic world, and most detective fiction is completely reliant on. It's a relief to read someone like him.

The story itself is very tightly written and pulled off with a seasoned expertise expected from authors with multiple offerings. The fact that this is Farnsworth's first outing is almost unbelievable. The only thing I feel I should warn readers about is the multiple angles that this story is presented in. Starting off in First Person, the reader may well be a little put off by the sudden switch to Third Person narrative a chapter or two later. The back and forth/1st to 3rd switching happens throughout the novel, but very much to it's benefit. The ability to not only lose one's self in the descriptive beauty in the 3rd person perspective is great, but to also know exactly what's going on in the main character's head is very satisfying. I wouldn't usually entertain (or even suggest) the use of perspective hopping, but this book is obviously an example of how to do it right.

Another high point to the descriptive quality is Farnsworth's ability to envision scenes of beauty as well as fleshing out some of the most brutal scenes of violence I've read yet. They're pretty few and far between, but man...when Farnsworth wants to get visceral, he does so with an intensity capable of slapping a beaming smile on the face of most seasoned gore hounds. The beauty of the scenes coupled with the sadness and desperation of the main character's situation plays well against the few scenes of utter destruction and gore. In essence, this novel has something for absolutely everyone. Actionwise, Farnsworth's fight coreography is second to none. When the fist start flyin', you better watch out.

Succumbing To Gravity is a story that pushes some serious boundaries in the realm of horror fiction - never really settling in as the standard fare, but also fitting in quite nicely. Farnsworth's debut novel should be on everyone's "to be read" pile, if not already safely tucked away on the bookshelf for repeated reading.

You can check out Richard Farnsworth's website here, and order a copy of Succumbity To Gravity on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle editions.

Also check out Reliquary Press at their website, on Facebook, and on Twitter. And remember: buy direct from the source and keep the small press alive.

PBH.

Jason Dark - Vol 2: Theater Of Vampires by Guido Henkel

In the mood for a bit of the old-school, pulpy horror in the vein of those great old penny dreadfuls? Jason Dark: Ghost Hunter Vol. 2 - Theater Of Vampires, will fill that want, and leave you satisfied.

When stage magic isn't what it seems, Jason Dark turns to an old friend for help. Explore the shadows of the Victorian Theater with London's most famous Geisterjäger as he confronts a horror beyond anything yet confronted. "Theater of Vampires" is a story of betrayal, discovery, and horror in the tradition of the Grand Guignol. The only admission price needed is your courage.

Henkel really delivers a blast from the past with this foray into the Jason Dark series, whipping the reader into victorian London, and a story infused with a darkness and an adventurous spirit. The over the top feel of this short book is great, giving the reader enough information to become lost in the story, but also delivering the goods in terms of action scenes and "edge of your seat" drama.

The character, Sin Liu, was incredibly sexy and - by the end - really a very powerful female character. I loved the way that Henkel played his entire cast against each other, making them jump right off the page in a grand way.

I'd love to see this turned into something in a different media - maybe a TV show or some graphic novels. The idea of turning this series into a series of radio shows isn't too bad either. The imagery involved really begs to be seen/heard as well as read. The magazine-style format is awesome to hold, and really adds to the nostalgic feel of the stories, but Jason Dark very much deserves something bigger and brighter than this small package. The idea presented here is something different from what we're seeing these days - deserving more notice in the horror comunity, and the popular culture at large.

Also, check out Chris Alexander's write up on the Jason Dark series in issue #296 of Fangoria. Alexander calls the Jason Dark series "a cult of sophisticated fiends who like their terror full of elegant dread and Victorian charm" and thinks the series "is briskly paced pulp fiction full of shivery intrigue that aims to do only one thing: entertain." He couldn't be more right.

Henkel really has something special on his hands here. Slake your thirst for some old school horror in the style of the Grand Guignol at the Jason Dark website, or contact Henkel on Facebook and Twitter.

PBH.

Horror Library: Volume 3 by R.J. Cavender

I've read my fair share of horror compilations and anthologies, but rarely do I encounter a collection as well fleshed out as this. R.J. Cavender really went all out with this volume, presenting 30 interesting, unique, provocative, and - at some points - truly terrifying short stories to keep you up at night, and make you look at the world in a different way.

There's no real way to synopise something like this, but I can tell you that you're not going to waste your money if you pick this one up. The players involved run from little known authors, all the way to the more frequently seen names of the genre.

Here's an idea as to what you can expect:

Cavender and Boyd E. Harris start things off right with Lavese las Manos - an introduction that reads like a story itself. In fact, I thought I was reading a lead off story until the end, as what they present here are some seriously scary, chilling images of the world we live in.

Them, by Sunil Sadanand, tells the story of a man infected with a parasite not unlike the hairworms that you might find infecting/brainwashing an insect. Sadanand's take on this is obviously more intense - replacing the insect host with a human - resulting in an awesome display of his descriptive prowess.

Short Stacked, by Rodney J. Smith, a wicked little story about betting more than you can afford on a game. I loved this one. Smith's writing style is great and reminded me of Ketchum and some of the early Splatterpunk writers.

Being Supreme, by Mark Justice, gives us a little taste as to what it's like to sit down with God. A funny and dark little story - this one won't leave your brain any time soon.

The Station, by Bentley Little, has a great feel - written by a true master of the macabre. Little has given us a new perspective to think from when faced with the eternal question - what happens when we die? Truly unique.

Extra Innings, by John Peters, is a superb little story about a baseball team that never loses, and how far they will go to prove that. This was really a great treat, as I've rarely ever come across anything so refreshing and interesting in a horror anthology.

Fish Bait, by John Everson, is an awesome story that really has to be read by all. Everson's take on a backwoods little town and their dirty little secrets was a shining point in this book. I absolutely loved it.

The Apocalypse Ain't So Bad, by Jeff Strand, was - hands down - my favorite story in the whole book. A very funny, sarcastic, and...well...Jeff Strand take on the end of the world, from the perspective of a lone survivor. The world has been overrun with zombies, and the main character finds himself in several interesting situations. Personally, I think Strand should turn this story into a novel. You'll agree once you read it.

I have to say something about the cover here. I don't usually talk about artwork on this site mainly because I'm focussed on the content of the book itself - not the cover. But seriously, this series has some of the most incredible covers I have ever seen. The cover of Volume 3 (as you can see above) features a 3 faced priest with an inverted cross hanging from his neck. If that image doesn't stay with you for life, you've got to be blind. From what I've seen, every cover is incredible, and I would have these in my collection just for that fact alone.

Overall, this book is incredible. At no point did I feel I was reading the work of an amateur, and every story evoked something strong from me. Cavender has shared a really impressive set of stories with us. I would wholeheartedly suggest this to anyone who likes short stories.

Check out Cutting Block Press at their website. You can buy the book direct from them, and on Amazon and various other online retailers. Also available - Horror Library volumes 1 & 2. Look for Volume 4 to hit the streets in Early Fall 2010.

Submissions for Volume 5 are now being accepted for a publication date of 2011 in Trade Paperback Format.

PBH.

Siren by John Everson

A lot of people have been calling what John Everson is doing "Dark Romance" or claiming it to be a hybrid of horror and romance. While I don't disagree, after reading his latest offering - Siren - I do have to say that they're missing something. What's that?

Quote me on this: John Everson is the king of Erotic Horror.

That's what it is, folks. Everson writes Erotic Horror at it's best.

Night after night, Evan walked along the desolate beach, grieving over the loss of his son, drowned in an accident more than a year before.

Then one night he was drawn to the luminous sound of a beautiful, naked woman singing near the shore in the moonlight. He watched mesmerized as the mysterious woman disappeared into the sea. Driven by desire and temptation, Evan returned to the spot every night until he found her again. Now he has begun a bizarre, otherworldly affair. A deadly affair. For Evan will soon realize that his seductive lover is a being far more evil…and more terrifying…than he ever imagined.

He will learn the danger of falling into the clutches of the… SIREN

Everson has really reached outside of his usual fare with this one, crafting one of the greatest love-story-gone-awry scenarios and presenting it to a genre that didn't see it coming. The beauty of the story is that Evan's plight is something that every red-blooded man can feel sympathetic to. Eventually - over the course of the story - Evan comes back to reality, but his actions have caused a chain of events that will not be satisfied with the simple utterance of "it's over". The story really ends up being a study about how our lives can sometimes take unexpected turns when we make the wrong choices. Evan is a clear example of a worst case scenario.

The character of Ligeia is by far one of the most mystical and sexy creatures I've come across in horror today. The way Everson writes her, the reader almost instantaneously falls in love, only to find him/herself troubled by the notion that something is definitely rotten in Denmark. Revealed in a sort of back and forth/past and present - way of storytelling, we eventually learn the secrets behind her life, and come to appreciate what it is she actually does. In doing so, I think Everson has created one of the most deadly villains that exist out there: A woman who is viscious, nasty, and yet very easy to feel sympathetic towards.

So that's both sides you feel for, right? Wrong. In the end, you're left having to make a very personal choice. What I loved so much about this book is that it really gets under your skin. Everson has this way of tapping into the very essence of who the reader is, making him/her question what they actually believe deep down in themselves. I know I was shocked when the book ended and found myself gradually re-evaluating my priorities in life. I'm not saying that you'll have the same reaction, but Everson was really able to hit me in a very emotional way with Siren.

The writing is tighter than an airlock, the scenes just absolutely bleeding off the page, leaving you with the taste of saltwater in your mouth, begging for mercy. The musical influence is readily apparent in the storytelling, giving you a sort of inside look at where Everson was coming from with this one. It's almost as if you can really hear the music coming off the pages.

Now, it has to be said that with this whole Leisure/Dorchester business going on, you're going to have a wee bit of trouble tracking this one down in the MMPB format. Luckily, it's also available from Bad Moon Books in a limited edition hardcover. The cover for the Leisure edition is beautiful, but you really have to take a look at the BMB cover. It's something seriously sexy.

Check out Everson's website here, contact him on Facebook and Twitter, and grab a copy of the Leisure edition of Siren while you still can. Being that it's one of two of the last books they'll print in that format, you can bet they'll be collector's items soon.

Also, check out Everson's small press - Dark Arts Books - for some incredibly awesome looking stuff.

PBH.

Desperate Souls by Gregory Lamberson

Usually, after I finish a book, I like to let it sit and stew in my brain so I can gather my thoughts, you know, really get a grip on how I felt about it. When it comes to The Jake Helman Files I find that impossible. Read on and see why.

They’re not breathing. That’s why they’re so still. But that’s not possible . . .

Eleven months after battling Nicholas Tower and the demon Cain, Jake Helman has set up shop as a private investigator in Lower Manhattan. When a woman hires Jake to prove that her dead grandson is dealing a deadly new drug called “Black Magic” on a Brooklyn street corner, Jake uncovers a vicious drug lord’s plot to use voodoo to seize control of the city.

While panic grips New York City, Jake Helman battles gun-wielding zombie assassins, hallucinations, and betrayal at every corner. But voodoo creates more terrors than zombies, and Jake finds himself poised on the edge of insanity as he fights to restore the soul of the one person he trusts.

The first chapter of this novel alone is worth every single moment of aguish that I experienced waiting for the follow up to Lamberson's first novel in The Jake Helman Files - Personal Demons. The following 27 chapters (plus epilogue) sealed the deal, leaving me utterly satisfied and yet still jonesing for the next installment. Lamberson has really outdone himself this time around, solidifying Jake Helman as one of my all-time favorite characters in horror today.

Seriously folks, cross genre fiction doesn't get better than this.

Like the previous book, it's go - go - go from the start, blending equal parts frenetic comic book style, and seasoned police procedural thriller. Lamberson delivers the goods early on, setting up characters that play beautifully against Helman, while hurrying the story along in a quick and dirty way. The way that the author blends the back story in is also remarkable, as it doesn't detract from the current read in the least. You'll feel like you already know what went down in the first book, making this one just as good as a stand alone novel. It would be my suggestion that you read the first though, as it has some incredible scenes that you really shouldn't miss.

Now, I've mentioned before that Lamberson has a way with giving the invested reader a severe emotional beat-down of sorts. That is also very much the case with this book. In fact, there was a point where I had to put the book down for a moment - the scene was so shocking and came out of nowhere. Like I said in the Frenzy Way review, when you fall in love with a character in a Lamberson story - something bad is going to happen to them. I'm going to leave it at that. If you're someone who loves Jake Helman, you're going to be in for some serious surprises here - but man is it satisfying.

The overall feel of the book is very much the same as the first. The only difference here is that Lamberson has really tweaked his story arcs, tightened up his dialogue, and really given his all to the development of every facet of the story. I wouldn't be wrong to say that this is the best piece that Lamberson has presented to his reading audience. In fact, the only bad part of the book was the blank page following the end of the story. I walked away from this book completely satisfied and ready to take on Cosmic Forces upon it's release in October 2011 - from Medallion Press.

You can read more about The Jake Helman Files at the Medallion Press website and on Lamberson's personal website. If you're looking to contact Lamberson, check him out on Facebook, Twitter, and on LiveJournal.

Lamberson and Medallion Press are hosting an interactive signing on Saturday, September 11th. The cost is $18 (the purchase of the book) and will include a chatroom and live webcam feed. He will personalize the book, and Medallion will ship it to you on Monday. Readers who take part will receive their copies of Desperate Souls 2 weeks in advance of the public. Register for the signing here.

Also, it should be noted that Audible.com has purchased the rights to both Personal Demons and Desperate Souls for audio books. As a fan of that medium, I really couldn't be more excited.

PBH.

Temporary Monsters by Ian Rogers

"The waiter got killed before he could drop off the bill."

Who wouldn't be sucked into a story with an opening line like that? Jack Ketchum gave a guest lecture - at The Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop in 2009 - about the importance of a killer first line. He went so far as to throw a book at someone in order to demonstrate how important it is to get their attention right off the bat. If Ian Rogers had been at that workshop, I can guarantee the would have floored everyone there. I know I was when I opened this chapbook for the first time. And that was only the beginning.

Felix Renn is a private investigator in a supernatural world, and alternate reality where a dark dimension called The Black Lands co-exists alongside our own. Travelling to and from The Black Lands is dangerous - and illegal - but that doesn't stop some of the creatures that reside there from crossing over into our world from time to time.

After a man goes berserk in a posh Toronto restaurant, Felix suddenly finds himself torm between both worlds as he is drawn into a deadly game of movies, murder, and monsters.

That synopsis doesn't even begin to touch upon how great this little, 37 page chapbook really is. The power of Rogers' wit and the imagery that he manages to pack into such a tight little bundle, is much larger and well honed than a chapbook can possibly fathom to contain. It's a shame that the book wasn't longer, that's for sure, as Rogers only begins to touch upon something that begs to be fully fleshed out in a much longer format.

The main character - Felix Renn - is among some of my favorite characters of all time. An anti-hero of sorts, Renn has unquestionable ability to hold his own as life slings crap at him from all directions, while delivering witty and sarcastic remarks pertaining to what is going on in the moment. His one liners are the stuff of a writers dreams, rarely ever axhieved with such perfect timing and pinache. This is only one of the reasons why this story should be turned into a multi book series. Rogers has definitely created an incredibly memorable and interesting character with Renn. With an acerbic wit like that, I doubt anyone would be able to forget him any time soon.

That said, I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to get ahold of this little gem. It's surely an incredible introduction to what Canada has to offer by way of horror authors. You can pick it up from Burning Effigy Press for $8(Cdn), or try to grab a copy at the Festival of Fear - happening this weekend (Aug 26 - 28) at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, presented by Rue Morgue Magazine.

It's should also be noted that another Felix Renn story will be available via Burning Effigy in Sept 2010 called "The Ash Angels" and another in the Canadian horror anthology - Chilling Tales - in March 2011 titled "My Body".

Ian is also currently working on an "X-Files meets Arrested Development" - Sci/Fi Satire, after which he will promptly get to work on a full length Felix Renn novel - lest he be banished to The Black Lands, himself.

Follow Ian Rogers on Twitter, or check out his website. Also, check out The Black Lands website here (coming soon).

PBH.

A Gathering Of Crows by Brian Keene

Brian Keene shows that he is in top form with his latest (and last release) release from Leisure Books.

A Gathering Of Crows not only brings back the fan favorite character, Levi Stolzfus, but also shows that Keene is an ever evolving writer who is poised to take more than the genre by storm, and vehemently claiming modern horror as his own. This is a novel that not only attacks with visceral action and horror, but also hits you in a more emotional place - with a dark, dreadful feeling - that only Keene can pull off this well.

From the Leisure website:

Brinkley Springs is a quiet little town. Some say the town is dying. They don’t know how right they are. Five mysterious figures are about to pay a little visit to Brinkley Springs. They have existed for centuries, emerging from the shadows only to destroy, to kill. To feed. They bring with them terror and carnage, and leave death and blood in their wake. As the night wears on, Brinkley Springs will be quiet no longer. Screams will break the silence. But when the sun rises again, will there be anyone left to hear?

From the beginning of this novel you know that you're in for what is possibly going to be one of Keene's finest efforts. The opening paragraphs are written with such aplomb that I found myself trusting Keene's flow implicitly, and got lost in the story so quickly. This is a very, very fast read, packed with enough Keene trademark characters that it's easy to become increasingly confortable and watch the hours tick away. His writing style is faithful to the perfection that was Dark Hollow and The Rising, but with a more matured and worldly feel to it this time around. To me, Keene's novels are usually a whirwind of satisfying horror, tempered with a certain element of knowledgeable dedication to the horror genre; but this one was much more than that. This is what it feels like to wait for something for so long, and to end up being sufficiently satiated - yet craving more.

The craving for more reveals itself (to me) in the form of the character Levi Stolzfus. Never have I read a character so engrossing, entertaining, and yet so familiar and surprising as the aforementioned Stolzfus. His back story is only hinted at in Dark Hollow and Ghost Walk, but with each appearance becomes something less secret - as evidenced by his appearance in this novel. If you've ever read a Brian Keene novel, you already know what it is that makes this character a fan favorite. If not, well...you really have to get out there and dive in.

As usual, Keene's writing is as tight as hospital corners and as action packed as a frog in a blender. There are moments in this novel where the action slows down, but only for a moment as Keene takes us through very detailed (and incredibly complex) explainations of the mythos involved in so many of his books. Keene obviously does his homework before he sits down to craft these incredible efforts. It's no surprise that the Keene brand is known as on that does not fail to deliver.

As usual, you can find Brian on Twitter and his website, as well as the forum hosted by his website - The Keenedom (registration necessary).

Also, keep a look out for some VERY interesting news in the next few months. As per Keene via his website and Twitter, if you're a fan, you should save $125 by 10/01/10 - and be ready for Maelstrom.

I know I will.

PBH.