Ross

What's this? Halloween in February? Fantastic!

Revisado: 02-11-25

Hey! What a great little distraction from the doldrums of a somewhat dreary time of year. Laird Barron continues to impress with a new novella in his Isaiah Coleridge series. It's got Horror. It's got Science Fiction. It's got action. It's got wit and geeky references to everything from The Classics to The Terminator. And let's not forget about a metric ton of crime noir style. Also, it evokes a sense of creepy, trippy fun and wackiness that kind of reminds me of watching Scooby-Doo while I had a fever as a young kid.
Also, also, William DeMerrit Continues to do the best tough guy besides Ray Porter narrating Joe Ledger. Pitch perfect performance!
Finally, the first book I reviewed here on Audible was, "Blood Standard," the first in this series. I gave it 3 stars and a strong written recommendation citing a LOT of potential. Welp... that potential was reached and the genre of mere crime fiction was surpassed. Easily. Five stars the rest of the way! This is a fantastic series. And this is a great addition to it! I would love to say it's too short but it's really just right. I definitely want more, though!

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This Series Completely Recaptures that Old Magic

Revisado: 04-30-24

Wow! What a Trilogy! Kendare Blake didn't just understand the assignment; she's teaching the class! If taken as a whole, this is better than, "Slayers," in my opinion (though that was pretty good, too). Which... is interesting, because, Slayers was written by Christopher Golden (veteran Buffy author) and Amber Benson (Tara on the TV show and a fine author/narrator in her own right), and this series reminds me very strongly of Golden's Comic Book novels from the 90's (Also available on audible and certainly worth a look). They are (like Golden's books) wonderfully written, researched, plotted, and faithful to the original material while going in new and interesting directions. Also, Kendare Blake is, quite obviously, a Buffy fan (takes one to know one). The references alone prove that. To me, this is better than any reunion could ever be (even if you brought back the whole cast). With new characters alongside old, this furthers the original material while paying homage to what's come before. The Next Generation is a very fitting title for this Trilogy (and that's coming from someone who enjoys Star Trek, as well). Frankie and the New Scoobies are the best thing to happen to Buffy the Vampire Slayer since Spike in season 2.
Speaking of Spike, let me talk about the narration of Sarah Mollo-Christensen for a minute. She's perfect! Her Spike voice is amazing. Like, bang on! All the returning characters sound like their old selves, but appropriately aged up for the material. I'm floored! Every character's voice is distinct, clear, and interesting. Both author and narrator absolutely nail that quippy, "Well, that just happened," style that Buffy (arguably) began. A couple jokes and turns of phrase made me laugh out loud!
This is a great end to the Trilogy. It has a fantastic villain (or Big Bad, if you prefer). It manages several character arcs and concludes them all in a very satisfying way. All while leaving the door open for more. Jordy the werewolf wasn't as involved as I initially thought he would be. He never actually shows up in Sunnydale. It's his influence that's the problem. But I didn't get this book for his inclusion. Nice to see the return of several Buffy alums we haven't encountered in this series so far, too. This is on point from word one. Also, I continue to love, "Watcher Spike." That's genius.
I love reading things that prove, "Suggested reading age," is simply that: A suggestion. My only real complaint is that this could be the end. It shouldn't be. The last in a trilogy? Fine. Sure. But if Thomas Covenant (insufferable as he is) can get more than one Trilogy; this should run 'til... 'round about the end of time. So, if you're a Buffy fan... Try these, they really scratch that old itch!
Finally, let me just say that (again, like with Christopher Golden) I'm going to have to start exploring Kendare Blake's other titles. And as long as we're having fun with nostalgia and genre here, allow me to end by quoting Raphael from the 1990 "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Movie: "Gosh... I do hope there's more of them!"

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If You Want to Destroy My Sweater...

Revisado: 04-11-24

Pull this thread as I walk away,
I'm so glad we're all back together and stuff. This is great, man.
Boy, have I read a great deal of of Mr. Huston's writing: From the the wonderfully dirty night time streets of New York in the Joe Pitt (Vampire/PI/Fixer) series, to the best crime trilogy this side of Don Winslow with his Henry Thompson books. Then there's his incomparable stand alone novels. Crime noir (regular or fantastical) is what he does best. He's also written some darn fine (and darn fun) comics. Charlie Huston, Andrew Vachss (Rest In Peace, Brother), Joe R Lansdale, Don Winslow, and Duane Swierczynski launched me into this many faceted genre and helped get me through my late teens and Twenties. Thanks!!
Huston writes great characters and they all have some rock and roll in their soul. Safe to say, this is no exception. With Sidney Catchpenny, he's done it again. Creating possibly the best character in his entire oeuvre: The Song in Catchpenny's soul that barely holds him together on his best days... which are coming more and more infrequently, his need to be involved and his dislike of actually being involved, his genuine concern for others vs. his need to look out for number one, his ability to draw the wrong conclusion sometimes, and maybe most of all the lies he tells himself to just to get by... Well, they all make for another fantastic character! Maybe the best (I'll certainly be thinking on it). Mix in some magic, mayhem, dirty fighting/tricks, betrayals, clever writing and some spooky goings on, and you've got an exciting, funny, beautiful, and, ultimately, moving novel on your hands!
Pete Cross is perfect for this as well. Can't say enough good things about his narration. Really brought the novel to life.

Aaaand yeah... trigger warning for self harm. Not a sentence I'm accustomed to writing, but I wouldn't want anyone taken out of the story by it, either,

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For Tolkien fans who can't get enough (Like me)!

Revisado: 02-29-24

My dear friends and fellow readers/listeners,
I'm afraid this is going to be a somewhat biased review. My parents first read, "The Hobbit," and, "The Lord of the Rings," to me when I was very young. That having been my first foray into fantasy fiction, I was instantly entranced. I would read the novels a bit later on for myself. To this day, they remain a wonderful escape. So, I fell in love with Middle-Earth early on. Though, it wasn't until years later that I would first attempt, "The Silmarillion," and it took me a few tries to get through it, honestly. Once I did, though, I realized that I wanted to know everything about Tolkien and his World. From there I would move on to, "Unfinished Tales," and so forth. "Letters," informs the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien wonderfully! That having been said, there are those who won't need to snap this up as quickly as I did. No one really, "needs," to read beyond the novels unless they're writing a detailed essay, or they're a bit obsessed (Hello, there!). Tolkien amazes me. He excites, mystifies, challenges, and frustrates me... Sometimes all at once. His work has its flaws, but ultimately becomes more beautiful, uplifting, haunting, and epic every time I read it. Seemingly ancient in a way that appears almost... discovered as much as created.
This volume offers a glimpse behind the curtain. Here you'll find descriptions of Tolkien's works and struggles in his own words, as well as other insights. All coming from letters to his family, friends, colleagues, publishers, and fans. Excellently narrated, to boot. I, personally (and conditionally, of course (as in: worth a credit, at least, if you enjoy the other, "supplemental," material)), could not recommend this more.
Most sincerely,
-Me
Ps. Sooo... Hey, Audible. "Book of Lost Tales Pt 1 (The History of Middle-Earth Pt 1)," next? Maybe? Huh?

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Great, but read all the reviews.

Revisado: 07-09-21

I've read a lot of Tolkien. Like, "The History of Middle-Earth," a lot. Maybe too much. But he helped me escape from many a bad thing in my younger days. Visiting the Council of Elrond or sitting in front of a fire with Frodo and Gandalf was particularly nice during silent reading after... recess (A scary musical sting should probably go right here). So, I'm biased. And some find Tolkien... Let's be kind and say, "dry." But I'm writing this because I've read the other reviews and if you're at all undecided; I think you should, too.
I was disappointed not to have been one of the first reviewers, enjoying him as I do. But I've come to realize that these reviews are all very good and really represent the many different views on this man's writings all while discussing the pros and cons of the recording, etc... So, maybe you're like me and you know what this is and that you'll love it, buuuut maybe you loved The Hobbit and The Trilogy proper (no disrespect, Star Wars fans. I love that, too! But it's more than a Trilogy now whether we like it or not (and I like it!)) but couldn't stand, "The Silmarillion," Perhaps, when you saw the first part of that book was called the, "Ainulindale," you went, "Nope." Completely understandable! So did I, at first. I have quite a few friends who still agree with that completely! And if that happens to be the case with you, then you could easily skip this and not miss a thing. An opinion well represented here. And as we know: there are no incorrect opinions. Well... when it comes to Tolkien, anyway.
I hope this wasn't too long and I hope it helps. And honestly: Read the other reviews.

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Oh, Ms. Kiernan, how do I love your stories?

Revisado: 11-28-20

Let me count the ways... One, two, three... Hey! Whoa! Slow down! I can't keep up! Caitlin R Kiernan is easily one of the best and most prolific writers of Weird Fiction (possibly too limiting a phrase for her work) out there right now. I have reviewed a couple of her titles in the past, but I've never mentioned how her writing has gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life. I won't go into detail about me. However, I will say that her prose and ability to create incredible circumstance allow little else in as you read (or listen). I started with, "Threshold: A Novel of Deep Time," and never looked back for a second. Orpheus would have been proud (Poor Eurydice). No one else on the planet writes like this, my friends. NO ONE! and in case you think that's my opinion alone allow me to read you an excerpt from S.T. Joshi's introduction (and he would know!): "Caitlin R. Kiernan is so much better than anyone writing imaginative fiction these days that it has become something of an embarrassment. She is the best in her field at so many things- The best in the exquisite modulation of her prose; best in the sensitive portrayal of the complex and at times contradictory motivations of humans, quasi-humans, and non-humans; and, most of all, best in the compelling evocation of fear, terror, loneliness, pain, tragedy, and heartbreak." Well, I couldn't have put that any better myself (obviously). Some of my favorite stories here (and BOY was it hard to choose just a few!) are: Galapagos: A sci-fi tale to chill you to your core. The Ape's Wife: A, sort of, retelling of King-Kong with a very different emphasis. And Tidal Forces: a love story between two women as one them undergoes something... otherworldly, alien, and terrifying. This last one, oddly, put me a bit in mind of Stephen King's, "The Float." (Later, "The Raft."), and yet... so very different, moving, and powerful! So follow me and join the Queen of Weird, Imaginative, Horrific, and Wondrous fiction! And, Ms. Kiernan, If you're listening... Please don't stop! We need these stories now more than ever! Because nothing unites us like pain along with its cessation, and the pain and wonder in your writing distracts from that of real life like nothing else I've experienced! Also, thank you all for reading... And before I forget: there are some awesome narrators here!

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Enchanting, character driven, horror/dramedy!

Revisado: 10-29-20

Well, that was wonderful! I noticed the comparison to Marisha Pessl in the description and, having read, "Night Film," during a power outage recently (Not recommended. (Not the book! That I recommend quite strongly. Just wait 'til you can turn on a light!)); I can back that up. There are similarities to Gemma Files, "Experimental Film," (also good) as well. Especially once we get into the film industry bits (very different types of film, but still). The main reasons I really enjoyed this, however, were the characters themselves. In that way, this book is superior to both of the previous two I mentioned, in my opinion. I was able to relate to these characters so easily. I would find myself getting annoyed at something one of our three leads would be getting petty about and then be able to go, "Yeah, but she's an insecure perfectionist isn't she? Sound familiar, buddy?" Not to mention (ever so slight spoilers, friends)... There was one passage about inhaling a pretty girl's second hand smoke as you decide whether or not to kiss her that... Well, suddenly I was in a memory... 27 again, standing outside a local dive talking to a beautiful girl and wondering, "Just maybe." I was in that sense memory long enough to get goosebumps. That should suggest the level of writing on display, really. Also, this can get genuinely spooky! Never let it be said that I don't enjoy some of the ol' (fictional) ultraviolence. Gross descriptions? Sign me up. I love the visceral stuff. As a matter of fact I'm putting off listening to the new, "Jack Reacher," novel to write this very review. And let me just say, I am equally (if not more) impressed by someone who can unnerve me with atmosphere alone, which Emily M. Danforth has done in spades. This novel is dripping with atmosphere, both gothic and modern at the same time.
I'd like to use a quote from the novel to sum up, if I may: "Esse Quam Veridi," which if two years of high school latin (and one particularly cool elective (both taught by the same awesome dude)) serve correctly has its roots in Cicero's writings, and means, "To be, rather than to seem." Too often in modern horror (especially in film (not always, mind you, but still too much)) there seems to be a trend to make the lead characters unlikeable so you'll... I dunno, enjoy seeing them killed more? So little substance. Many, "Seem," to have one characteristic only. It's nice too see the antithesis of that in this novel. With genuinely relatable characters and a good spooky, haunting feel... I Can't reccomend this one enough!
Okay, also, I've grown to love the narration of Xe Sands! After hearing her knock Caitlin R. Kiernan's, "Alabaster," short story collection out of the park I was so Impressed! So glad she did this one. An extra dimension of cool, right there.
Oh, and as a final note, the Pdf file I recieved did not work (I'm using the windows 10 app, so, results may vary). However, there is a note on how to get to the Pdf through the publisher's website, so no real loss. But good to know. Thanks and enjoy!

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Incorrect summary. These are the original stories!

Revisado: 10-13-20

I've admitted to my utter fascination with the short stories of Caitlin R Kiernan in my review of, "Two Worlds and In Between." In short, don't sleep on this author and her unyielding grasp of the fantastical and horrific! However, in looking at the publisher's summary for this particular title, I noticed that it is a description of the, "Alabaster: The Good The Bad and The Bird," graphic novel collection (which takes place much further into the Flammarion canon (Flammarianon?)). This is not that! It's better! This is the original set of Dancy Flammarion stories collected in (as the title suggests) just plain, "Alabaster" (2006). The summary should read: "An albino girl wanders the sun-scorched back roads of a south Georgia summer, following the bidding of an angel or perhaps only voices in her head, searching out and slaying ancient monsters who have hidden themselves away in the lonely places of the world."
So, now that you know what's up... get this! it's fantastic. If you own "Two worlds and in between," know that a couple stories are repeated (or rather, originated) here, but I still think it's worth it. Ms. Kiernan is a great author and of all the characters she's created, Dancy remains my favorite. I love every one of these stories and I hope you do too! They are, at times, touching, sad, unreal, genuinely spooky, violent, and gory. This killer of monsters may or may not walk with an angel but her demons are very real.
Also, I always forget to mention the narrator! Xe Sands brings my favorite albino monster slayer to life in wondrous fashion.
Thanks to all. Maybe do something about that summary?
PS: If you like this, check out the novel, "Threshold," by the same author. Too few people seem to have read it, and although she's not the main character, Dancy has a darn good turn in it. *******

"Alabaster," Table of Contents:
-Author's Preface
-Les Fluers Empoisonnees
-The Well of Stars and Shadow
-Waycross
-Alabaster
-Bainbridge
-Afterword: On the Road to Jefferson.*******

Alternate ToC (chronological):
-The Well of Stars and Shadow
-Bainbridge
-Alabaster
-Waycross
-Les Fleurs Empoisonnees

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Best worst case scenario ever?!

Revisado: 09-30-20

Well, we can stand around all day arguing about whether or not this and "Peace Talks," should have been one novel. However, even though I guess, "Peace Talks," is required reading to get the whole story... I still think "Battle Ground," is an amazing work in its own right. I mean, I don't want to sound like a, "Lickspittle," here (even though it IS a good word), but I laughed, cheered, and (I'm man enough to admit) cried (I did NOT sob! I don't care what you've heard!).
I'm reminded of nothing so much as the original, "Secret Wars, (Marvel)" or "Crisis on Infinite Earths, (DC)," comics, by this novel. It really is that big an event and that much of a shake up to the world Jim Butcher has so painstakingly built! So. Many. Battles. Which is just how I happen to like it!
Mr. Butcher has always had a certain comic-booky style which I've greatly enjoyed and it's on full display in this one. I suppose there must BE such a thing as too much description. I see nothing of the sort here, though. For me, the description and detail add to the epic-graphic-novel-nature of this particular beast. They say Alan Moore's script for, "Watchmen," was over a thousand pages long, after all. That worked out just fine. So does this. Not a boring moment. For me, barely a chance to catch my breath!
As far as I'm concerned this delivered on all the promises of the previous novel and sets up an interesting future for our hero.
Not perfect, perhaps. I mean, like the last novel, it does depend on you having read some of the short stories to get the whole picture (though even if you haven't read them I doubt anyone will be completely lost (they're all available in the, "Brief Cases," short story collection, by the way)). Seems a tad unfair to start bringing characters and conflicts over wholesale from the short stories. Especially when you don't always EXPLAIN all the conflicts, such as the one between Carlos Ramirez and Molly Carpenter (See: "Cold Case.") which does affect the plot a bit, at least in the way Carlos sees Harry. The other semi-required stories will probably be obvious to you. Hint: Bigfoot. But, uh, anywaaay... as you can see... I'm a geek and I have read them. So no stars off from me on that account. Still, a handy bit of info to have, I think.
I wish I could be more objective, but, man... I still love this series! And, in my opinion, things can only get more intriguing from here.
Oh, And I forgot to mention: James Marsters CONTINUES to embody Dresden perfectly! Talk about a guy who can do funny as hell; then bring the gravitas just as well. Yeesh! Remember when I said I, ahem, 'didn't' sob uncontrollably? His voice acting... I just... wow. I think parts of this hurt with an almost... cleansing kind of pain. As far as I'm concerned, "Buffy," earned the guy a lifetime pass, but he still does this for us. Outstanding!

Also also: There's a nice little bonus short story at the end. Again, just FYI.

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Amazing collection!

Revisado: 08-24-20

You know, I've been waiting to sing Caitlin R Kiernan's praises for a while now and this seems as good a time as any. Especially since, in my opion, short stories are where she excels. Don't misunderstand me, all her writing available here on audible is worth listening to (novels under any pseudonyms included), without a doubt. But if you're looking for a selection of great, often Lovecraftian, stories that truly show off the author's talent... then look no further. Ms. Kiernan seems to understand this type of weird fiction better than anyone else I've ever read.
Not all the stories are Lovecraftian in nature. We get everything thing from a brief look into the final days of one Mina Harker to a fairly straightforward (if no less twisted in nature) crime drama/shoot-em-up. Not to mention echoes of Charles Hoy Fort: one of the first writers and researchers of odd phenomena.
My three favorite stories are, "Les Fleurs Empoisonnees," In which our teen hero: the albino, monster-slaying Dancy Flammarion encounters a coven of not-quite-ghouls already having a bad day, "Onion," Which is a beautiful love story about a couple experiencing strange phenomena together, their pain shared in a genuine way, and "Tears Seven Times Salt," Which is dark fantasy at its finest and most guttural.
All the stories are good if not great. This is weird fiction/horror, however, and though not everyone is doomed like they would be in (oh, I don't know, let's say,) actual Lovecraft, everyone is transformed in some way (either mind, body, or spirit) by the end of each story.
I've been a fan of Ms Kiernan's for some time and I'm thrilled to see her short story collections starting to become available here. If you like weird fiction... Boy, oh boy, are you going to have some fun with this!

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