Dreams of Lovecraftian Horror

Rating:
Summary: A Dark, Poetic Jewel
Review: "Dreams" has been a sheer delight to read. Skilfully crafted tales with plenty of moody atmosphere and vivid locales whether it is Lovecraft's own witch-haunted Arkham or Pugmire's own genius loci of otherworldliness, Sesqua Valley. Pugmire's voice is distinctly unique as is his style of writing: precise, emotionally taut and with an all-pervading spirit of melancholy. The characters are mirrors of the alien presence that infuses the tales and gives them their tone of despair. Illustrations by author/artist Stanley C. Sargent perfectly complement the writing and add to the overall effect of the volume. I was impressed with all the tales, but the one that stands out especially is "The Totem Pole" a masterpiece of prose-stylist art. Pugmire's subtle use of the Mythos is wonderful and expert, not allowing the tales to become bogged down with too much detail. He allows the mood to carry you and it does so with elegant understatement - this book is a must for any fan of dark literature.