Rating: Summary: Although extremely well written, Quoth the Crow lacks spirit Review: 'Quoth the Crow' was a very well written book. It follows all the pre-ordained ideas of the original, but with one flaw...it doesn't contain the right formulas to create an empathy with the reader. I wasn't torn or upset or even concerned for our newest Crow incarnation at all during the course of the book. Sadly, I found it dry and slightly corny in areas. Edgar Allen Poe was an interesting idea but again was somewhat lacking in the big picture. If you are an avid Crow fan such as I, You will undoubtedly buy and read all things 'Crow' and will not regret shelling out the money for the books. You will not be disappointed in this book, simply because it is a well written story and will undoubtedly whet your appetite for other installments of this wonderfully dark series.
Rating: Summary: Quoth the Crow review Review: A brief synopsis: William Blessing is a famed horror writer, surpassing the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz (who says he isn't a horror writer), and he is also the foremost expert on Edgar Allan Poe. Blessing offers a helping hand to a fellow aspiring writer who apparently never paid heed to the phrase "Don't bite the hand that feeds you". Blessing is murdered and plans are made to exploit Blessing's name by this ambitious writer (who's in cahoots with a local goth gang, if you will, called the Gothetiques). This man also has plans to marry Blessing's beautiful widow, Amy. This book was such a treat for me. As a long time lover of the film "The Crow", the comics, and the television series, I've been longing to get my hands some of the books written by various authors. So, this was my introduction into the world of Crow fiction, and I wasn't disappointed in what I read. I enjoyed this story thoroughly. I never went into this story hoping to make Shrek's analysis, but I did go into this story hoping to be entertained. The characters were interesting. Though, I wasn't sure whether to like Blessing or dislike him at first, which made him all the more "real" because I feel the same mixed feelings about people in my read life. It didn't have the strongest of storylines, some might say it was contrite, but it was solid, giving it a good read. Now, for my grievances with this story. The author is a compulsive name dropper. It's nice to know that he did his research in horror films and "Goth" music, but the mentioning of nearly 20 groups and 15 "prominent" stars and writer on one page is far too much. I think the author got a little too enamored by what he things the Goth culture is like. Some of the things he described the Gothetiques doing were just borderline corny. I think the way that he dealt with the characters Mick and Theodore was a bit contrived. However, those were minor things that I could look over. This will definitely continue to be a part of my library for some time to come.
Rating: Summary: Not perfect... Review: A long time ago,I wrote a rather unfavorable review of author Bischoff's Alien novels. Mister Bischoff took the time to respond to my comments, and I was impressed to find an author who at least reads what his readers have to say. Given that, when I managed to pick up a copy of Quoth the Crow, I decided to give it a fair chance, not letting either of his Aliens books bias me. And I must admit, while slow paced, while not perfect ... I liked it. Now I have just come off a old horror kick, re-reading many classics by Poe, Lovecraft, Stoker and the like, so it was nice to see so many references to them. Also, many of my friends exist in the Goth subculture discribed in the books (where similar clothing, listen to same music, read Sandman...), which was an extra hoot. And the story is surprisingly solid, with a likable central figue in the form of William Blessing. One odd note though, while a good author, the constant mentioning of Dean Knootz distracted me, as he is not a Gothic fantasy/horror writer, though mentions of my own favourite author (Clive Barker,) sort of dispelled this distraction for me. And Mister Bischoff, if you are still out there, let me know what you think.
Rating: Summary: a must for Crow die-hard fans Review: As a Crow die-hard fan of both the comics and the movies, I approached the book series with a little contempt. I was starting to worry that the Crow franchise was getting out of hand; but a book series?!?! Unable to resist the genre, i picked up the 1st installment of the series, "Quoth the Crow". The use of Poe literary excerpts before each chapter as a foreshadowing tool was successful. Birscoff takes risks with mixing his timelines around, creating a movie-like presence to it. The whole novel goes back and forth between flashbacks to dreams to present and into surreal "heaven" states; it's an interesting technique. The exposure of the "gothic culture" within the novel, however, was seemingly unfair and one-dimensional at times, not completely true to the lifestyle that it is. As a Crow story, it holds pretty well, staying true to the basis of the J O'Barr original, and it even challenges the power of the supernatural being in the story, which was an interesting view on the Crow. For those who love the comics/movies, this is one you would want to pick up for a different view on the Crow. If you're a Poe fan, you might enjoy this too. For those new to the whole "Crow" thing, do yourself a favor and rent the movie or pick up the graphic novel/comic series by James O'Barr. END
Rating: Summary: Poe-fectly Poe-etic Review: Bischoff succesfully captures the dark, forbidding atmosphere of Charm City in his Crow novel. Who better to become the undead avenger than a specialist in the literature adored by the solar-deprived, irony deficient goth ssubculture? The plot moves along with barely enough time for the reader to catch his breath, and the quite successful skewering of academia (Johns Hopkins is the Worlds Best Univrsity, just ask them.) and the gloom and doom obsessed goth subculture are quite pleasing. Waht could have made it better? Well, Blessing before the incident is somewhat wooden, and I would love to know why his nemesis is obsessed with the Gothique group. Overall, the best Crow novel.
Rating: Summary: Like your revenge kicked up a notch? Review: First time reader (I've seen the movies) of The Crow series, and I'm certainly glad I picked this as my first book. I've now started collecting some of the others as well. I'm that hooked. For me, this was like The Count of Monte Cristo meets Edgar Allan Poe. I thoroughly enjoyed the Poe references and how the revenge theme was woven into the story line. Talk about your avenging angel! More sinister than Monte Cristo, though. I'd love to see another Crow movie come out soon. You'll be sorry if you haven't read this one yet or, like me, are new to the genre and aren't sure where to start. Start with this one. The graphic novels are cool as well and are easy reads. Great art work. They help flesh out The Crow in my mind.
Rating: Summary: Interesting combination of romantic lore and modern horror Review: First, let's get things straight. Before you pick up this book, go read James O'Barrs original comic book series. If you like that, then watch the movie. If you enjoy both, pick up a collection of Edgar Allen Poe, or at least read " The Raven". If you survived all of that then pick up this book. Now you are ready. This story is a story of love and revenge. It is about a man doing something he knows is wrong but does it not for good or evil, but to bring peace to his soul. In it, David Bischoff parallels the lives of the characters to the life of Poe and his writings. His unique method of foreshadowing through use of quotations instills the excitement of knowing what will happen next, but to what extent? This in combination with the characters depth makes the book very fun to read. Finally, for all of you who were discouraged or confused by the movies( or just fans looking for a change), this book starts at the beggining of the story and works all the way through. (P.S. For a more bizzarre style, but still a good story, check out Poppy Z. Brite's "The Lazarus Heart".)
Rating: Summary: i thought the book was clever Review: for all of you crow fans who like edgar allan poe, this is a great book for you to read, it has the feel of the crow and the crypt of Poe, i think you will enjoy it
Rating: Summary: absolutly entertainig. like the original and distinctive Review: I found it to be entertaining. As an aspiring writer myself also of dark fantasy I found that it captured the emotion superbly.
Rating: Summary: The worst Crow book i've ever read Review: I have read many crow theme books and i didn't enjoy this one. Maybe i just have high standards...but it was way too predictable, and could of been written alot better. Consider the potential! Also way too clichy
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