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Fiends: Vol 1
An artist whose religious-inspired works utilize various materials. A tattooed man who quests to reclaim his art. An ice cream man who is more than just a vendor of sweet treats. What do these characters have in common?
Their stories, which first appeared on the FiendMaster's website, have been compiled here to create Fiends, Volume I.
Canvas - What is more important? The art, or the medium used to create the art? Where does inspiration come from? Canvas discusses a dark inspiration for the creation of works the artist considers "holy."
Tattoo - Scars. They remind us who we are, what we are and where we have been. But when a scar takes away your identity, what would you do to get it back? Jackson, a journalist in Houston, discovers links between several murders that have taken place in his city. His investigation draws him into the world of body art where he discovers an obsession worth killing for.
Closet Treats - Reality is a slippery slope for Trey Leger. He's managed to carve out a somewhat normal existence in spite of his mental illness. But when an ice cream truck starts making the rounds of his neighborhood, Trey can no longer tell reality from his delusions.
Their stories, which first appeared on the FiendMaster's website, have been compiled here to create Fiends, Volume I.
Canvas - What is more important? The art, or the medium used to create the art? Where does inspiration come from? Canvas discusses a dark inspiration for the creation of works the artist considers "holy."
Tattoo - Scars. They remind us who we are, what we are and where we have been. But when a scar takes away your identity, what would you do to get it back? Jackson, a journalist in Houston, discovers links between several murders that have taken place in his city. His investigation draws him into the world of body art where he discovers an obsession worth killing for.
Closet Treats - Reality is a slippery slope for Trey Leger. He's managed to carve out a somewhat normal existence in spite of his mental illness. But when an ice cream truck starts making the rounds of his neighborhood, Trey can no longer tell reality from his delusions.
- GenresHorror
324 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2011
88 people want to read
About the author
Paul Elard Cooley
34 books250 followersPaul E Cooley is a full-time writer and Parsec Award Winning podcaster from Houston, Texas. In 2009, he began producing free psychological thriller and horror podcasts, essays, and reviews available from Shadowpublications.com and iTunes.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 7, 2011
Fiends: Vol 1 is a short story, a novella, and a full novel all in one volume. You start out with a quick read and are immediately drawn into the characters. With so much fanaticism in so many forms around today, the first story scares me the most because I wonder where this character is. I know he (or someone even scarier) is out there. Somewhere.
One of the things I love about this book is the different points of view that these stories are written from. First, from the Fiend's point of view. Then, from someone who starts out as an un-biased observer. And, finally, in Closet Treats, from the vantage point of the victim.
Paul Cooley gets into the minds of his characters and takes the reader along for a gripping ride. The line between reality and delusion becomes blurred as his characters struggle to make sense of their own situations.
The gripping conclusion will have you wondering what just happened to you, much the same as the main characters themselves. Hang on for a wild ride!
One of the things I love about this book is the different points of view that these stories are written from. First, from the Fiend's point of view. Then, from someone who starts out as an un-biased observer. And, finally, in Closet Treats, from the vantage point of the victim.
Paul Cooley gets into the minds of his characters and takes the reader along for a gripping ride. The line between reality and delusion becomes blurred as his characters struggle to make sense of their own situations.
The gripping conclusion will have you wondering what just happened to you, much the same as the main characters themselves. Hang on for a wild ride!
May 24, 2015
You are probably looking at this book cover and saying to yourself “I don't read books about whatever the hell that is”, but I am here to tell you that this book of stories will surpass your expectations. This book contains three different stories about a serial killer making “art” (Canvas), a reporter who finds himself part of the story (Tattoo) and a family man who is suffering from a mental disorder and trying to determine reality from hallucination (Closet Treats). I think what makes these stories stand out over most horror stories is that they don't rely on the ick or shock factor, but more on the suspense and fear aspects that make great horror/suspense.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes horror AND/OR mystery stories.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes horror AND/OR mystery stories.
September 13, 2012
When my husband (@daecabhir) asked me what I thought of this book after i was done, it was all I could do to mutter two words.
"Sick F@ck".
I've had the distinct pleasure of letting Mr. Cooley know my opinion in person and that was just enjoyable as i thought it would be.
Now for the novel...
Fiends is not for the faint of heart. No really, it's not. It's graphic and gross and takes depravity to a new level. That sort of thing is not my cup of tea by any stretch of the imagination, but I was able to stick with the book because it's quite well written. Cooley spins a well-told story and holds your attention; both things any writer needs to do regardless of subject matter.
My apologies for not noticing that my first review was somehow eaten.
"Sick F@ck".
I've had the distinct pleasure of letting Mr. Cooley know my opinion in person and that was just enjoyable as i thought it would be.
Now for the novel...
Fiends is not for the faint of heart. No really, it's not. It's graphic and gross and takes depravity to a new level. That sort of thing is not my cup of tea by any stretch of the imagination, but I was able to stick with the book because it's quite well written. Cooley spins a well-told story and holds your attention; both things any writer needs to do regardless of subject matter.
My apologies for not noticing that my first review was somehow eaten.
September 13, 2012
I've called Paul Cooley a sick, evil f*ck. To his face. But he's a sick, evil f*ck who can spin a good yarn that keeps the reader engaged, as they follow him down into the depths of human (and perhaps inhuman) depravity. While I am sure that Mr. Cooley has only shone a light into the smallest corner of those depths, he does so with well written prose, a fine sense of pacing, and the understanding that one doesn't need to leave the reader with a nice, tidy, neatly tied up in a bow ending. Fiends is well worth your time, if you're not completely afraid of the dark or a graphic detail or two.
Now let's see a full length novel Mr. Cooley.
Now let's see a full length novel Mr. Cooley.
June 28, 2011
The stories compiled in Fiends: Volume 1 take you to a place where you feel uncomfortable, where reality and nightmares meet, deep inside your mind. The FiendMaster knows how to get under your skin to provoke the chills that all horror fans enjoy. The believability of characters and situations make this book an excellent example of macabre writing. I'm eagerly waiting for Volume 2!
April 16, 2011
Great thriller read from up and coming horror author Paul Cooley. Not only is it a great read, but a beautiful physical book that is numbered, signed and personalized by the author when you order it. HIGHLY recommend this for people who enjoy King, Poe, Koonts etc.
May 3, 2011
I love Mr. Cooley's works. A bright up-and-coming author. This collection contains several stories including Tattoo and Closet Treats. Paul is probably the only author who can send chills up and down my spine in Houston during the 105 degree heat of summer.
April 19, 2013
Some great stories that are slightly connected. Canvas was a nice short creepy story and Tattoo was a great longer novella story. Closet Treats is a great story and a bit different then what i usually read.
I enjoyed the whole book. Worth checking out.
I enjoyed the whole book. Worth checking out.
April 7, 2011
A limited edition hardback collection of physiological horror tales from the Fiendmaster.
July 4, 2013
This collection of mental illness, crazy serial killers, and horror is great! The stories are all unique and good. Very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews