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Dark Light #1
Dark Light
A #1 Best Selling Book on Amazon Kindle The Launch Debut from Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. "The click of the camera before you die. A demon's unthinkable task. A childhood game gone horribly wrong. The nagging feeling that someone is watching your every move. A lover, a betrayer. Breakdown. Vengeance. Misplaced trust. Malice. Surprise. How many times will you soothe yourself in the dark hoping for the light? Welcome to a world hidden behind the blinds of reality. This anthology is not for the faint-hearted. The tales inside are guaranteed to rob you of sleep at night and bring you the nightmares you fear. Now, open your eyes and see..."
414 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
7 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Davis
34 books162 followersSJ is a Virginia girl living in the Motor City. She loves Typhoo English Tea, flip flops, capris, and cardigans. When she isn't busy writing and publishing, she is busy being a band/soccer/lax/Wolverine mom. Go Blue!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 26, 2012
It never fails that when I see Alexia Purdy’s name attached to a book, I instantly want to read it. She never disappoints me. This has many different horror stories that have the endings of things not going so well for the main characters in this book. I wouldn’t suggest reading this before bedtime if you are known for having nightmares after a scary read because this might induce them. It was nice to see so many authors get together and write these stories.
March 12, 2012
I love to read but i am not able to read as much as i would like to because of my very busy life. This book gives you so many shorts to read, just the thing of you are like me and dont have the time for a long novel. This is so much book for the money!
March 20, 2012
MY REVIEW
It's always difficult to know the best way to review anthologies, do you review the individual stories or the book as a whole or even both? Well here's my version, first the anthology as a whole, I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend. the anthology is a great way to try authors you may not have read before. There were a few of the stories I didn't like that I thought leant too much towards a horror theme for my personal liking. I did however, enjoy well over half of the stories. The anthology is well put together and I think has something for most people.To review the individual stories/novellas I have decided to rate each of them out of 5. I would look at other books by the majority of the authors in the anthology, though more eagerly at some than others. I will admit to being a hard scorer in that i don't give a 5/5 unless i absolutely love the book.
Headless Homecoming by Andrew Katz ~ Initially the title put me off as I don't really like the knights of the round table type of stories but this was okay, once you got into it! The low score is more a personal taste issue than how the story was written. Would I pick up a full length novel by this author? ..er..em... maybe. So it's 2/5
A Scarlet Night by Megan J Parker ~ This was a classic Vampire type story, with a different twist on it that I did enjoy. I liked how this story flowed, loved how the author wrote.Would definitely look at other books by Megan J Parker! So it's 3/5
The Bones For You by Char Hardin ~ This one was really different, being buried alive, though it also had a religious edge to it. I don't normally go for things with lots of religious content/reference in it but, I did enjoy this. I would look at other titles by Char Hardin. So it's 3/5
Whispers From The Darkness by Jana Boskey ~ This had references to the true life mate concept, and fae myths which was good mixture. I really enjoyed this one and definitely will be searching out other books by Jana Boskey. so its 4/5
The Faery Hunt by Alexia Purdy ~ This one involves the Fae again, its well written. It has one of the characters making a sacrifice to save her brothers...hmm I wanted to read more of it really. I already have another full length title by Alexia Purdy on my kindle to read and review. So it's 4/5
Breakdown by Bonnie Bernard ~ I don't want to give away too much with this one. It's very well written and I really did enjoy reading this one. Definitely on the look out for more by Bonnie Bernard. It's 4/5
The Full Wolf Moon by LD Ricard ~ As suggested by the title this one is a werewolf story. The life mate concept is mentioned in this story as is the pack concept. Again, yes I enjoyed it, but I wanted to read more and more. So LD Ricard is firmly on my authors to watch out for list. It's 5/5
His First Snow by Linna Drehmel ~ An angel type story. A tale from the light. It had a moral hidden in there too. A good short tale really, difficult to say more without telling the whole tale. Yes I will take a look at more Linna Drehmel book as I enjoyed her style of writing. It's a 3/5
Dementria's Task by Amanda Browning ~ This tale has demons. Again difficult to say much without giving too much away. It's Eerily good! Another author on my look out for list. Definitely want to read more by Amanda. So 4/5
Blood And Soil by William Greer ~ This is really is a good suspense tale....it does have Nazi soldiers in it too and is set at the time of oppression and war. I enjoyed the suspense, the oh no what will happen now aspect of the tale. Would consider more books by William Greer. It's a 4/5
The Darkon Prophecy by Linna Drehmel ~ This one is a tale from the dark. Again I enjoyed Linna's writing style which makes the tales so easy to read. Another 3/5
Death Becomes Him by MR Murphy ~ This tale concerns the living impaired. A guy that has not passed on. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has to protect the women he loves... A brilliant tale, loved it. Wanted to read more! Looking out for more MR Murphy. It's 5/5
Dark Faery Reflection by S J Thomas ~ This tale is eerily, creepy, maybe leaning a little to the horror genre as well as including the fae elements of the tale too. I did like reading this even though I would say I do not read horror. Would consider more titles by S J Thomas so long as they weren't horror! So 2/5
Spider Whisperer by Lisa Goldman ~ Another one that had lots of horror type elements in the tale. I read it okay. It was a bit spooky and creepy, not really my type. Would I read more by Lisa? ...maybe 2/5
The Kiss by Jenny Phillips ~ a girl learns her true identity of a succubus......A strange man she's never met offers her help, should she trust him?.... It was okay, the ending was the best really. this could be a spin off novella. There could be a series of books about the succubus - those I would like to read! So looking out for Jenny Phillips? Yes. 3/5
Goddess Of Death by John Hansen ~ Another Demons tale. This one about demon possession, and demon masters. Okay tale but not really my type of thing. Would give othe titles by John Hansen a look over. So 2/5
The Flaming Vengeance by Linna Drehmel ~ This is an unusual tale of a prophecy. Would love this to be a novella so I could read more about "the green eyed one" Linna is definiitely on my watch out for list! It's a 2/5 for this one.
The Miller's Daughter by Stefan Ellery ~ Oooo Spooooky, a ghost/haunting tale. A bit leaning to horror again though I did like this one too. Good short tale. Read more by Stefan Ellery? Would take a look. So 3/5
The Transformation by Ruth Barrett ~ I wasn't at all sure on this one , a bit odd for me.... Would I try more by this author? dunno, probably not It's 1/5
Open Your eyes and See by Naomi Bonthrone ~ Again a bit odd and weird for me...sorry another dunno, probably not on reading more by this author. So 1/5
First Boy by Dennis Harpe ~ This one is more horror, I don't like horror. It is very well written though.
Read more by Dennis? sorry not if horror So 1/5
Alba by KR Jordan ~ This one, I also did not get along with. It felt very Americanised to me, so not been American, perhaps I missed some of the points being made. Read more by KR Jordan? probably not So it's a 1/5.
And a Score out of 5 for the whole anthology...hmmmm ..... would have to say ...4/5! I have certainly found some authors that I would like to read more of!
It's always difficult to know the best way to review anthologies, do you review the individual stories or the book as a whole or even both? Well here's my version, first the anthology as a whole, I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend. the anthology is a great way to try authors you may not have read before. There were a few of the stories I didn't like that I thought leant too much towards a horror theme for my personal liking. I did however, enjoy well over half of the stories. The anthology is well put together and I think has something for most people.To review the individual stories/novellas I have decided to rate each of them out of 5. I would look at other books by the majority of the authors in the anthology, though more eagerly at some than others. I will admit to being a hard scorer in that i don't give a 5/5 unless i absolutely love the book.
Headless Homecoming by Andrew Katz ~ Initially the title put me off as I don't really like the knights of the round table type of stories but this was okay, once you got into it! The low score is more a personal taste issue than how the story was written. Would I pick up a full length novel by this author? ..er..em... maybe. So it's 2/5
A Scarlet Night by Megan J Parker ~ This was a classic Vampire type story, with a different twist on it that I did enjoy. I liked how this story flowed, loved how the author wrote.Would definitely look at other books by Megan J Parker! So it's 3/5
The Bones For You by Char Hardin ~ This one was really different, being buried alive, though it also had a religious edge to it. I don't normally go for things with lots of religious content/reference in it but, I did enjoy this. I would look at other titles by Char Hardin. So it's 3/5
Whispers From The Darkness by Jana Boskey ~ This had references to the true life mate concept, and fae myths which was good mixture. I really enjoyed this one and definitely will be searching out other books by Jana Boskey. so its 4/5
The Faery Hunt by Alexia Purdy ~ This one involves the Fae again, its well written. It has one of the characters making a sacrifice to save her brothers...hmm I wanted to read more of it really. I already have another full length title by Alexia Purdy on my kindle to read and review. So it's 4/5
Breakdown by Bonnie Bernard ~ I don't want to give away too much with this one. It's very well written and I really did enjoy reading this one. Definitely on the look out for more by Bonnie Bernard. It's 4/5
The Full Wolf Moon by LD Ricard ~ As suggested by the title this one is a werewolf story. The life mate concept is mentioned in this story as is the pack concept. Again, yes I enjoyed it, but I wanted to read more and more. So LD Ricard is firmly on my authors to watch out for list. It's 5/5
His First Snow by Linna Drehmel ~ An angel type story. A tale from the light. It had a moral hidden in there too. A good short tale really, difficult to say more without telling the whole tale. Yes I will take a look at more Linna Drehmel book as I enjoyed her style of writing. It's a 3/5
Dementria's Task by Amanda Browning ~ This tale has demons. Again difficult to say much without giving too much away. It's Eerily good! Another author on my look out for list. Definitely want to read more by Amanda. So 4/5
Blood And Soil by William Greer ~ This is really is a good suspense tale....it does have Nazi soldiers in it too and is set at the time of oppression and war. I enjoyed the suspense, the oh no what will happen now aspect of the tale. Would consider more books by William Greer. It's a 4/5
The Darkon Prophecy by Linna Drehmel ~ This one is a tale from the dark. Again I enjoyed Linna's writing style which makes the tales so easy to read. Another 3/5
Death Becomes Him by MR Murphy ~ This tale concerns the living impaired. A guy that has not passed on. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has to protect the women he loves... A brilliant tale, loved it. Wanted to read more! Looking out for more MR Murphy. It's 5/5
Dark Faery Reflection by S J Thomas ~ This tale is eerily, creepy, maybe leaning a little to the horror genre as well as including the fae elements of the tale too. I did like reading this even though I would say I do not read horror. Would consider more titles by S J Thomas so long as they weren't horror! So 2/5
Spider Whisperer by Lisa Goldman ~ Another one that had lots of horror type elements in the tale. I read it okay. It was a bit spooky and creepy, not really my type. Would I read more by Lisa? ...maybe 2/5
The Kiss by Jenny Phillips ~ a girl learns her true identity of a succubus......A strange man she's never met offers her help, should she trust him?.... It was okay, the ending was the best really. this could be a spin off novella. There could be a series of books about the succubus - those I would like to read! So looking out for Jenny Phillips? Yes. 3/5
Goddess Of Death by John Hansen ~ Another Demons tale. This one about demon possession, and demon masters. Okay tale but not really my type of thing. Would give othe titles by John Hansen a look over. So 2/5
The Flaming Vengeance by Linna Drehmel ~ This is an unusual tale of a prophecy. Would love this to be a novella so I could read more about "the green eyed one" Linna is definiitely on my watch out for list! It's a 2/5 for this one.
The Miller's Daughter by Stefan Ellery ~ Oooo Spooooky, a ghost/haunting tale. A bit leaning to horror again though I did like this one too. Good short tale. Read more by Stefan Ellery? Would take a look. So 3/5
The Transformation by Ruth Barrett ~ I wasn't at all sure on this one , a bit odd for me.... Would I try more by this author? dunno, probably not It's 1/5
Open Your eyes and See by Naomi Bonthrone ~ Again a bit odd and weird for me...sorry another dunno, probably not on reading more by this author. So 1/5
First Boy by Dennis Harpe ~ This one is more horror, I don't like horror. It is very well written though.
Read more by Dennis? sorry not if horror So 1/5
Alba by KR Jordan ~ This one, I also did not get along with. It felt very Americanised to me, so not been American, perhaps I missed some of the points being made. Read more by KR Jordan? probably not So it's a 1/5.
And a Score out of 5 for the whole anthology...hmmmm ..... would have to say ...4/5! I have certainly found some authors that I would like to read more of!
April 19, 2012
Awesome Awesome Awesome. A great group of authors with their own unique storytelling greatness. I can honestly say I enjoyed every story in this anthology. Recommend to anyone who likes short, paranormal stories.
April 24, 2012
Hi y'all Anne here with my Huge review for this absolutely amazing anthology from Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing, here we go!!! First of all let's start with the book as a whole, it's great, fabulous, and dark all in between 2 cover pages! The stories start with a bang and end with a mind bending boom... SJ Davis has really out done herself with this opening anthology for her company. I congratulate her for her endurance and stamina in this monster of a book. She hand chose stories that not only haunt your mind and stir the darkest of depths but they also compliment each other through writing style, editing, and placement. Now for the stories.
The first thing you read is an amazing poem by Alexia Purdy called Dark Light and it starts this journey with a shove into the dark and twisted.
Andrew Katz - Headless Homecoming. A dark and twisted tale spanning time and earth to forever change how we see common folk lore from times long past. Perfect opener for this book.
Dennis Sharpe - First Boy. A creepy tale of twisted spirits and how far they will go to ensure their survival in our realm. When your told to leave you might want to leave and never look back.
Megan J. Parker - A Scarlett Night - An amazingly haunting story of death, love and transcending the plains of energy. When you love somebody that love never dies it only causes you to go to extended legnths to bring it back to your arms.
Char Hardin - Empty The Bones For You. Oh this story was chilling the ending had me banging my kindle to get more from it. A story of vengeance and retribution for a lost love and a back stabbing sibling. Love this tid bit and desperately hope more follows.
Jana Boskey - The Lost Changeling. What a creative and twisted tale for fated destiny. When past bargains are made do you fight or accept who you are and what you were meant to be. A truly chilling Faerie Tale that will have you wanting more.
L.D. Ricard - A Full Wolf Moon. What a devastating tale of things that go bump in the night and the ones who protect us from them sometimes paying with their loves and lives. Great story for this book as it twists your views of normal stories.
Linna Drehmel - His First Snow. What a beautifully written story of faith, love and persevering in the face of doubt. This story will touch your heart and lift your soul. It is a light beacon in the dark but not without its own twists and losses.
Amanda R. Browning - Dementria's Task. This story is twisted and shows the other side of becoming a supernatural creature. Demons have tasks to complete to become who they are. This story is fun and dark and I hope to see more of Dementria and her role on the earth.
William Greer - Blood and Soil. This story was one of vengeance and retribution when people had little to hold on to except each other. When you break the rules people die and others will pay the price but your secrets are never truly hidden just masked and waiting to be uncovered.
Linna Drehmel - The Darkon Prophecy. A tale of becoming who you are and the pain and deceit you must endure to get there. Accept who you'll become or run from it and loose all the ones you love. The choice is there and must be made.
Alexia Purdy - The Faery Hunt. A great story of Fae and why they should be left to themselves. Hunting what you hate most and the threat of loosing what you love most may have you put in a position to become what you hate most.
Bonnie Bernard - Breakdown. What you are is what you are and you will walk the earth searching for the ones you need. A great tale of deception and murder to extend a race yet known to us.
Dominique Goodall - Ouija'ust Wanted To Have Fun. Ever play games when you were young and have things go horribly wrong? See what goes wrong when spirits are woken and teenagers are at the hands of a frightful night.
Rebecca Gober - Ghost Reapers. A Future world where gifts are curses and yet fate will prevail if it was meant to. Love and happiness are worth fighting for and dying for if need be. Given the right time and place you'll meet the one who will save you and your soul.
M.R. Murphy - Death Becomes Him. A great tale of true love and mixed up fates. Death takes no names and when its your time you must go because you have more things tho do on the other side.
S.J. Thomas - A Dark Fairy Reflection. Dark tale of past and paranormal colliding in one place and reaping the benefits of curiosity and youth. A great story both original and interesting for your mind to wonder through.
Lisa Goldman - Spider Whisperer. What a creepy and cool story about tolerance and understanding among species. Acceptance must be had to appreciate all the creatures of the earth.
Jenny Phillips = The Kiss. Succubus are a rarely talked about creature and this story brings them to light and shows that respect and secrecy are prized among all. Don't try to take what isn't yours and you might survive.
John Hansen - Goddess Of Death. Loved this twisted tale of protection and love only to find out you never had a say in it, because she will become what was meant to be and now your found on the safe side of the danger to come.
Linna Drehemel - The Flaming Vengeance. What a tale of loss and pain only to endure more as you grow older. Thought to be normal, become what will save the world. You can't fight the higher cause you must accept it and become the one and to do that you must be willing to sacrifice all you love to save them.
Stefan Ellery - The Miller's Daughter. Creative outlets that unleash an entity long quieted. Don't tread in places left to peace for when you do you'll anger the resting and cause a domino effect. Until the wrong is righted she will be there and you will never rest.
Rush Barrett - The Transformation. Wow a twisted tale of loneliness and longing and where it may lead you. Falling for sweet nothings and gifts may have you accepting a fate you never saw coming.
Naomi Bonthrone - Open Your Eyes And See. What a dark lost soul knows and what it sees are two very different things. You think yourself the victim but really are you the murderer? A twisted story of seeing what you've done.
K.R. Jordan - Alba. A new view on shifters and how the fall into rank. When your the last and most powerful of your kind you become hunted and suffer great pain before you can be what your meant to be.
Alicia Cannon - Honest Nightmare. What is there to talk about when your nightmares become your reality, and your about to loose the one thing you can't let go of. Knowing is scarier than not.
S.J. Davis - The Last Picture. A great story of Life through pictures and when you've seen so much pain and despair what will relieve your pain. The last picture will tell a wordless story to the ones who loved you and never understood.
This Amazing book must not be missed or underrated, if you haven't read it yet get it now and get started because each story is unique and different and everybody can find a great author here to love and follow. As well as an amazing company to watch for and catch their next great releases. 5 out of 5 stars for each author and the book, so that's 135 stars for Dark Light published by Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing...
The first thing you read is an amazing poem by Alexia Purdy called Dark Light and it starts this journey with a shove into the dark and twisted.
Andrew Katz - Headless Homecoming. A dark and twisted tale spanning time and earth to forever change how we see common folk lore from times long past. Perfect opener for this book.
Dennis Sharpe - First Boy. A creepy tale of twisted spirits and how far they will go to ensure their survival in our realm. When your told to leave you might want to leave and never look back.
Megan J. Parker - A Scarlett Night - An amazingly haunting story of death, love and transcending the plains of energy. When you love somebody that love never dies it only causes you to go to extended legnths to bring it back to your arms.
Char Hardin - Empty The Bones For You. Oh this story was chilling the ending had me banging my kindle to get more from it. A story of vengeance and retribution for a lost love and a back stabbing sibling. Love this tid bit and desperately hope more follows.
Jana Boskey - The Lost Changeling. What a creative and twisted tale for fated destiny. When past bargains are made do you fight or accept who you are and what you were meant to be. A truly chilling Faerie Tale that will have you wanting more.
L.D. Ricard - A Full Wolf Moon. What a devastating tale of things that go bump in the night and the ones who protect us from them sometimes paying with their loves and lives. Great story for this book as it twists your views of normal stories.
Linna Drehmel - His First Snow. What a beautifully written story of faith, love and persevering in the face of doubt. This story will touch your heart and lift your soul. It is a light beacon in the dark but not without its own twists and losses.
Amanda R. Browning - Dementria's Task. This story is twisted and shows the other side of becoming a supernatural creature. Demons have tasks to complete to become who they are. This story is fun and dark and I hope to see more of Dementria and her role on the earth.
William Greer - Blood and Soil. This story was one of vengeance and retribution when people had little to hold on to except each other. When you break the rules people die and others will pay the price but your secrets are never truly hidden just masked and waiting to be uncovered.
Linna Drehmel - The Darkon Prophecy. A tale of becoming who you are and the pain and deceit you must endure to get there. Accept who you'll become or run from it and loose all the ones you love. The choice is there and must be made.
Alexia Purdy - The Faery Hunt. A great story of Fae and why they should be left to themselves. Hunting what you hate most and the threat of loosing what you love most may have you put in a position to become what you hate most.
Bonnie Bernard - Breakdown. What you are is what you are and you will walk the earth searching for the ones you need. A great tale of deception and murder to extend a race yet known to us.
Dominique Goodall - Ouija'ust Wanted To Have Fun. Ever play games when you were young and have things go horribly wrong? See what goes wrong when spirits are woken and teenagers are at the hands of a frightful night.
Rebecca Gober - Ghost Reapers. A Future world where gifts are curses and yet fate will prevail if it was meant to. Love and happiness are worth fighting for and dying for if need be. Given the right time and place you'll meet the one who will save you and your soul.
M.R. Murphy - Death Becomes Him. A great tale of true love and mixed up fates. Death takes no names and when its your time you must go because you have more things tho do on the other side.
S.J. Thomas - A Dark Fairy Reflection. Dark tale of past and paranormal colliding in one place and reaping the benefits of curiosity and youth. A great story both original and interesting for your mind to wonder through.
Lisa Goldman - Spider Whisperer. What a creepy and cool story about tolerance and understanding among species. Acceptance must be had to appreciate all the creatures of the earth.
Jenny Phillips = The Kiss. Succubus are a rarely talked about creature and this story brings them to light and shows that respect and secrecy are prized among all. Don't try to take what isn't yours and you might survive.
John Hansen - Goddess Of Death. Loved this twisted tale of protection and love only to find out you never had a say in it, because she will become what was meant to be and now your found on the safe side of the danger to come.
Linna Drehemel - The Flaming Vengeance. What a tale of loss and pain only to endure more as you grow older. Thought to be normal, become what will save the world. You can't fight the higher cause you must accept it and become the one and to do that you must be willing to sacrifice all you love to save them.
Stefan Ellery - The Miller's Daughter. Creative outlets that unleash an entity long quieted. Don't tread in places left to peace for when you do you'll anger the resting and cause a domino effect. Until the wrong is righted she will be there and you will never rest.
Rush Barrett - The Transformation. Wow a twisted tale of loneliness and longing and where it may lead you. Falling for sweet nothings and gifts may have you accepting a fate you never saw coming.
Naomi Bonthrone - Open Your Eyes And See. What a dark lost soul knows and what it sees are two very different things. You think yourself the victim but really are you the murderer? A twisted story of seeing what you've done.
K.R. Jordan - Alba. A new view on shifters and how the fall into rank. When your the last and most powerful of your kind you become hunted and suffer great pain before you can be what your meant to be.
Alicia Cannon - Honest Nightmare. What is there to talk about when your nightmares become your reality, and your about to loose the one thing you can't let go of. Knowing is scarier than not.
S.J. Davis - The Last Picture. A great story of Life through pictures and when you've seen so much pain and despair what will relieve your pain. The last picture will tell a wordless story to the ones who loved you and never understood.
This Amazing book must not be missed or underrated, if you haven't read it yet get it now and get started because each story is unique and different and everybody can find a great author here to love and follow. As well as an amazing company to watch for and catch their next great releases. 5 out of 5 stars for each author and the book, so that's 135 stars for Dark Light published by Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing...
March 19, 2012
i love this book! an awesome collection of 26 different stories from different authors! each one is unique and different in their own way and will leave you wanting more! i really hated to see some of the stories end.. they grab you up and wont let go until the very end! i had chills on my arms reading some of the stories!!! if you love the paranormal then this is a MUST read for you!
Want to read
April 4, 2012it is action pack Book that give all the Drama & the action like you Never read before so
ahead Read this book it will be a Knockout!!!!
ahead Read this book it will be a Knockout!!!!
September 1, 2016
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book to give an honest review.
So some anthologies just don't have that ahh man that was freaking awesome when you read them. Some of them are just okay and decent to read. This one I felt was different and stood out to me. I guess because I like reading dark things this one called out to me and I had nothing but enjoyment from it.
Each story was different but unique in its own way. I can not just throw a title out there and say this is my favorite one because they were all my favorite. I truly loved the dark sides of the authors and how well the stories all went together. I felt with this anthology that each story was completed, by that I mean have you ever read a short story and finished it going is that it? Or wondered why there wasn't more to the story than what you read? Well in this book to me it was not like that.
We get stories about werewolves, fairies, spiders (which this one freaked me out a bit), fantasy, ghosts and the list could go on.
If you are looking for something to give you the chills when reading something from different authors you may have never heard about before (cough, cough, like myself) then pick this book up. I think you would enjoy it.
The only thing that bothered me with the book is the listing of authors. What shows up in the contents page of the ebook I have are some different authors. There are a few that are showing up here that were not in the book.
I received this book to give an honest review.
So some anthologies just don't have that ahh man that was freaking awesome when you read them. Some of them are just okay and decent to read. This one I felt was different and stood out to me. I guess because I like reading dark things this one called out to me and I had nothing but enjoyment from it.
Each story was different but unique in its own way. I can not just throw a title out there and say this is my favorite one because they were all my favorite. I truly loved the dark sides of the authors and how well the stories all went together. I felt with this anthology that each story was completed, by that I mean have you ever read a short story and finished it going is that it? Or wondered why there wasn't more to the story than what you read? Well in this book to me it was not like that.
We get stories about werewolves, fairies, spiders (which this one freaked me out a bit), fantasy, ghosts and the list could go on.
If you are looking for something to give you the chills when reading something from different authors you may have never heard about before (cough, cough, like myself) then pick this book up. I think you would enjoy it.
The only thing that bothered me with the book is the listing of authors. What shows up in the contents page of the ebook I have are some different authors. There are a few that are showing up here that were not in the book.
July 7, 2012
So far I've read Flaming vengeance and his first snow by Linna drehmel. I enjoyed both of these stories and would read more if they were expanded upon. Good story lines and quick paced so you don't get bored. This author is going somewhere great. The Darkon story is my favorite one so far. Check it out!
Want to read
June 2, 2014This collection sounds cool but I can't help but wish the paperback edition had this more striking Pan's Labyrinth-ish cover!
January 7, 2015
Wow, I really, really enjoyed this anthology.
December 12, 2012
I've been reading these short stories on and off, but its a great anthology!
April 12, 2015
Dark Light is a launch anthology, the first publication of a new, independent publisher and it shows through at times. The stories are of varying genre, style and also, unfortunately quality. A total of 23 short stories (in my version, that it, there appear to be two and I'm not entirely clear on what the differences are, but some shuffling of content has taken place) some well put together, well flowing and very polished, others overdone and at times awkwardly phrased.
The collection as a whole, I can recommend, based on the overall enjoyment factor, since all stories were at least entertaining, but a few stand out as being particularly strong:
First Boy, by Dennis Sharpe reads smoothly, like it's the work of an experienced author. It sets a genuine mood of creeping dread, without being too over the top and it doesn't try to get cheap scares through too many twists (in fact, the ending is heavily foreshadowed to a point of being predictable) because it doesn't need to, the atmosphere does the work here.
Dementria's Task by Amanda R. Browning was fun. I probably read it entirely the wrong way if that's the first word I can come up with to describe it, but it is. I enjoyed the demon worldbuilding, the non-human protagonist whose non-humanity isn't a dramatic reveal but a blunt fact of life from the start and the methodical way that her kind bring about suffering. Not too dramatic, just the demon's way. A disappointment were the friends introduced in the beginning, who were interesting characters that even promised to stay in touch, and then never showed up again, though I was waiting for them. I was looking forward to some more girl friendship among these unlikely creatures.
Breakdown by Bonnie Bernard is short but sweet. It establishes the characters and situation, it drops a hint or two of the end, and then when the end comes round it's still a massive shift in tone that came out of nowhere. The whole thing was neat, in one word.
The Spider Whisperer by Lisa Goldman was terrible. But in the best way. It hit my arachnophobia button big time, and it was the one story that gave me trouble sleeping for several nights, because of the painfully real description of how spiders act in the imagination of people afraid of spiders. Like she picked it out of my nightmares. For me personally it was a very unpleasant read, which is a great point of praise, really. It's that kind of vivid writing that can make a story terrifying. Maybe not as impressive if you're the kind of person who can swat a spider with a newspaper without flinching, I can't say, but it gave me genuine terror.
Open Your Eyes and See by Naomi Bonthrone is the sort of story that's difficult to get into, but if you do, properly, it is perhaps the most engaging. The second person perspective was jarring, and is wont to throw you out of the story more than pull you in it. But if you can really imagine it as a chain of events happening to you and try to picture things as if they were seen from your own eyes (as opposed to looking down at them as we're used to doing) it's a great read. Odd, but great.
One major point of criticism with regards to the entire collection is: the editing.
The spine read Edited by S.J. Davis, but frankly I don't believe it. Misplaced or missing apostrophes (it's instead of its) characters changing names for a paragraph, homonym confusion (I've seen lose and loose mixed up in both directions, that's a first) and just a few plain old typos, forgiveable mistakes when they occur once or twice on behalf of the author, especially since most of them are newbies, but not something that should ever pass by an editor.
I want to take away another star just on this account, but I feel like I'd be doing all the new authors a disservice for a mistake not their own, so I won't. Instead, I will stick with the four star rating for some great stories, some mediocre ones but an engaging, weird read from start to finish.
The collection as a whole, I can recommend, based on the overall enjoyment factor, since all stories were at least entertaining, but a few stand out as being particularly strong:
First Boy, by Dennis Sharpe reads smoothly, like it's the work of an experienced author. It sets a genuine mood of creeping dread, without being too over the top and it doesn't try to get cheap scares through too many twists (in fact, the ending is heavily foreshadowed to a point of being predictable) because it doesn't need to, the atmosphere does the work here.
Dementria's Task by Amanda R. Browning was fun. I probably read it entirely the wrong way if that's the first word I can come up with to describe it, but it is. I enjoyed the demon worldbuilding, the non-human protagonist whose non-humanity isn't a dramatic reveal but a blunt fact of life from the start and the methodical way that her kind bring about suffering. Not too dramatic, just the demon's way. A disappointment were the friends introduced in the beginning, who were interesting characters that even promised to stay in touch, and then never showed up again, though I was waiting for them. I was looking forward to some more girl friendship among these unlikely creatures.
Breakdown by Bonnie Bernard is short but sweet. It establishes the characters and situation, it drops a hint or two of the end, and then when the end comes round it's still a massive shift in tone that came out of nowhere. The whole thing was neat, in one word.
The Spider Whisperer by Lisa Goldman was terrible. But in the best way. It hit my arachnophobia button big time, and it was the one story that gave me trouble sleeping for several nights, because of the painfully real description of how spiders act in the imagination of people afraid of spiders. Like she picked it out of my nightmares. For me personally it was a very unpleasant read, which is a great point of praise, really. It's that kind of vivid writing that can make a story terrifying. Maybe not as impressive if you're the kind of person who can swat a spider with a newspaper without flinching, I can't say, but it gave me genuine terror.
Open Your Eyes and See by Naomi Bonthrone is the sort of story that's difficult to get into, but if you do, properly, it is perhaps the most engaging. The second person perspective was jarring, and is wont to throw you out of the story more than pull you in it. But if you can really imagine it as a chain of events happening to you and try to picture things as if they were seen from your own eyes (as opposed to looking down at them as we're used to doing) it's a great read. Odd, but great.
One major point of criticism with regards to the entire collection is: the editing.
The spine read Edited by S.J. Davis, but frankly I don't believe it. Misplaced or missing apostrophes (it's instead of its) characters changing names for a paragraph, homonym confusion (I've seen lose and loose mixed up in both directions, that's a first) and just a few plain old typos, forgiveable mistakes when they occur once or twice on behalf of the author, especially since most of them are newbies, but not something that should ever pass by an editor.
I want to take away another star just on this account, but I feel like I'd be doing all the new authors a disservice for a mistake not their own, so I won't. Instead, I will stick with the four star rating for some great stories, some mediocre ones but an engaging, weird read from start to finish.
September 23, 2012
I honestly never understood why authors co-write an anthology. I was unsure as to what the end goal was! I am no longer unsure. This anthology, filled with paranormal stories to sate each and every paranormal genre lover thirst brings the best of the best to the reader. The stories are, at times quite lengthy, at times short and sweet, but they are plentiful and whatever this book costs, it is worth it.
Every reader will find multiple new authors they fall in love with. Several that will enchant them and a few that will haunt them. Bonnie Bernard and Alexia Purdy are but two of those that excelled in this book.
This is an awesome book and one I would recommend to all.
I received this book as part of an Amazon free download. I would have been happy to pay for it. But I am reviewing it for WaAr.
The Sons of the King By Mark and Olivia Miller
Christian fiction is a genre that, for me, is new. Very few books in this genre have found their ways towards this side of the shore. Now that I have found it on Amazon, I am amazed, enthralled and addicted to it.
I love the range of this book; the ease of which it is written lured me into the story until I found myself disappointed that the story came to an end. I personally can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in this series.
I received a copy of this book free from the author for an honest and truthful review. WaAr.
Every reader will find multiple new authors they fall in love with. Several that will enchant them and a few that will haunt them. Bonnie Bernard and Alexia Purdy are but two of those that excelled in this book.
This is an awesome book and one I would recommend to all.
I received this book as part of an Amazon free download. I would have been happy to pay for it. But I am reviewing it for WaAr.
The Sons of the King By Mark and Olivia Miller
Christian fiction is a genre that, for me, is new. Very few books in this genre have found their ways towards this side of the shore. Now that I have found it on Amazon, I am amazed, enthralled and addicted to it.
I love the range of this book; the ease of which it is written lured me into the story until I found myself disappointed that the story came to an end. I personally can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in this series.
I received a copy of this book free from the author for an honest and truthful review. WaAr.
February 23, 2013
Disappointing. There were some worthwhile stories but as a collection I have to say no.
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