Rating: Summary: Bewitched Review: What a great book! I enjoyed every "bewitching" story, especially Greg Kishbaugh's story "Madly, Deeply." This writer knows how to get his storytelling hook in you with great metaphors and strong characters and dialog. He also knows how to pull the rug out from underneath his readers---what a surprise ending! I will be looking for more from this strong new voice in horror writing.
Rating: Summary: Outstanding!! Review: What a great book! The Horror Writers Association has given horror fans a wonderful taste of the up and coming talent (fresh blood, yum!), and these 21 authors have great futures. And how refreshing to read an anthology whose stories were chosen for the STORY and not the "big name" authors. They were all entertaining, but like most anthologies, a few stood above the rest."The Child's Tale" was written by Carole Nomarhas in a unique voice with an almost lyrical, old-world style that worked very well; a beautiful read with an ending that proves there's always more than one side to a story. "As Promised" by Walt Jarvis was a little predictable, but good old-fashioned horror-fun and I loved the story. "That Old Black Magic" by John R. Platt was fun, clever, and humorous enough to make me laugh out loud, and his reader-friendly writing style immediately draws you into the story. "Trailertrash Annie" by Peter N. Dudar was a great story, although with a sad ending, and I love that title! "Hattie's Head" by Kelli Campbell was by far the scariest and most suspenseful, with an ending I would never have guessed--almost felt like the author was saying "gotcha!" after I read the very last sentence, it was that good, plus, again, I love that title! And "La Bete Est Morte" by Nicholas Kaufmann flat out gave me chills and I loved the story's background story. All these tales are worth reading, but I thought these 6 were the standouts, written by the authors to watch! Overall, a must-have for any horror fan, and far more entertaining than most of the "big name" anthologies I've read over the years. P.D. Cacek is to be commended for her story selections, and she and her authors should be proud! The talent shown by these "affiliate members" of the Horror Writers Association shines as brightly as any "professional." And lastly, what a gorgeous cover! When I ordered this book from Amazon, there was no cover pictured. Great stories by talented authors, and a killer cover, too! I hope to see more books like this from the HWA!
Rating: Summary: What a fun book! Review: What a perfect book this is for the Autumn. I couldn't wait to get home from work every night and curl up with hot tea and the next exciting story. I was disappointed that the book had to end. What a great start these new authors have. The story of Hattie's Head had to be my favorite. They are ALL great though. Enjoy reading this fun, fun book.
Rating: Summary: A New Generation of Horror Writers Review: When the Horror Writers Association decided to publish an anthology containing only "New Voices" in horror fiction, many members of that organization were skeptical about the quality of the resulting book. Editor P.D. Cacek, by selecting only those stories that meet or surpass the high standards of an HWA-sponsored anthology, has proven those concerns to be groundless. This book contains work by the next generation of horror and dark fantasy writers -- professionals all -- and shows us what names to look for in the first decade of the new century. BELL, BOOK & BEYOND is an excellent anthology and an example of a good idea implemented well.
Rating: Summary: Wicked Little Wicans!!!! Review: Whether your just dabbling in the lore of witchcraft, looking for a great read, or trying to find some great authors; this book is sure to please! It contains a bountiful collection of some of the most talented non-mainstream horror story writers to date. This anthology contains enough laughs, gasps, and feelings of dread to accomidate even the toughest of critics. I've found myself running into work late from lunch on more than one occasion due to my unrelenting need to fit in a couple of extra pages despite my tardiness. The characters and settings are quite colorful (if not vibrant) in each tale, making you an invisible bystander to these events..........even if you wish you weren't!
Rating: Summary: Wicked Little Wicans!!!! Review: Whether your just dabbling in the lore of witchcraft, looking for a great read, or trying to find some great authors; this book is sure to please! It contains a bountiful collection of some of the most talented non-mainstream horror story writers to date. This anthology contains enough laughs, gasps, and feelings of dread to accomidate even the toughest of critics. I've found myself running into work late from lunch on more than one occasion due to my unrelenting need to fit in a couple of extra pages despite my tardiness. The characters and settings are quite colorful (if not vibrant) in each tale, making you an invisible bystander to these events..........even if you wish you weren't!
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