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Dark Blessings: A Collection
Dark Blessings is a collection of stories that takes the reader down paths only author John Paul Allen could imagine...Sinister notes from a secret neighbor...a soul gets a second chance...a road trip to hell...a child with an unusual appetite...death cries on an answering machine...a child's reluctant salvation...and a closet lover with deadly intentions...A look beyond reason and sanity and into the mind of madness.
More information about John Paul Allen can be found at http://www.johnpaulallen.com
More information about John Paul Allen can be found at http://www.johnpaulallen.com
- GenresHorror
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2012
About the author
John Paul Allen
14 books75 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, the youngest of five boys, John Paul Allen is described as "Hard to nail down, hard to put down, John Paul Allen's words will envelop your senses and fill your mind with worlds and people too real not to believe." (William Cook - Blood Related). Coming to horror and writing later than most he has quickly become known for his knack of crossing lines in order to tell a story.
His published works include the novella Monkey Love, short story collection Dark Blessings, short stories Weeping Mary and House Guest.
Allen's novel Gifted Trust (originally published in 2002) was recently released as a major revised version and his short, Little Miss is part of the the Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology.
His published works include the novella Monkey Love, short story collection Dark Blessings, short stories Weeping Mary and House Guest.
Allen's novel Gifted Trust (originally published in 2002) was recently released as a major revised version and his short, Little Miss is part of the the Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 7, 2012
Dark Blessings by John Paul Allen is a well written anthology that will appeal to horror fans and non horror fans. Included here are short stories dealing with a road trip to hell, a child with an unusual appetite and a closet lover with deadly intentions. Dark Blessings was really a surprise for me, I hadn’t heard of John Paul Allen but I read some good reviews and decided to give it a shot.
The first story in this anthology is called Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow which follows a young couple on their way through West Virginia who have made a career out of scamming the elderly out of money. During a stop at Poogan’s Pass they end up where they didn’t expect to go and pay for their misdeeds. While this story is not bloody like some horror stories, it manages to scare in away you wouldn’t think about and makes a point that even if you think you are going to get away with something, karma will get you in the end.
The next story in Dark Blessings is called Runs Like Rabbit and follows the story of a native american boy named Runs Like Rabbit that has to give up his heritage and move with his family so his father can take a job in the white man’s world. The family gives up their names and rejects the gods that they once worshiped in search of a better life. The family soon finds out its not easy to leave their heritage behind as they become isolated. Runs Like Rabbit leaves the family and they all pay in the end. The thing I love about this story is it makes you feel the pain and loneliness that Runs Like Rabbit feels but then the story leaves you with a surprise ending that changes your feelings.
Keeping with the theme of John Paul Allen’s anthology which seems to be that all humanity is good but there is a dark self destructive side to it that makes us suffer. My favorite story in this book a love story called Marquee which has to deal with mistreating the ones you love, paying for your mistakes and letting go. The story follows a man named Scott who mistreats a mentally handicapped person named Duffy, but later finds out that he is connected to him through past lives. Duffy holds the key to Scott fixing his relationship with his wife. To talk to much about this story would give it away, it’s a different kind of love story that shows that sometimes to prove you love someone you have to let them go.
Each story here is a gem and shows humanity at its worst and best. Another story here that I found disturbing but illustrates how good comes from something bad was Prader-Willie which tells the story of three boys left to watch a girl with special needs. The story shows that things aren’t always what they seem. Dark Blessings is psychological horror at its best and I look forward to reading more from John Paul Allen.
The first story in this anthology is called Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow which follows a young couple on their way through West Virginia who have made a career out of scamming the elderly out of money. During a stop at Poogan’s Pass they end up where they didn’t expect to go and pay for their misdeeds. While this story is not bloody like some horror stories, it manages to scare in away you wouldn’t think about and makes a point that even if you think you are going to get away with something, karma will get you in the end.
The next story in Dark Blessings is called Runs Like Rabbit and follows the story of a native american boy named Runs Like Rabbit that has to give up his heritage and move with his family so his father can take a job in the white man’s world. The family gives up their names and rejects the gods that they once worshiped in search of a better life. The family soon finds out its not easy to leave their heritage behind as they become isolated. Runs Like Rabbit leaves the family and they all pay in the end. The thing I love about this story is it makes you feel the pain and loneliness that Runs Like Rabbit feels but then the story leaves you with a surprise ending that changes your feelings.
Keeping with the theme of John Paul Allen’s anthology which seems to be that all humanity is good but there is a dark self destructive side to it that makes us suffer. My favorite story in this book a love story called Marquee which has to deal with mistreating the ones you love, paying for your mistakes and letting go. The story follows a man named Scott who mistreats a mentally handicapped person named Duffy, but later finds out that he is connected to him through past lives. Duffy holds the key to Scott fixing his relationship with his wife. To talk to much about this story would give it away, it’s a different kind of love story that shows that sometimes to prove you love someone you have to let them go.
Each story here is a gem and shows humanity at its worst and best. Another story here that I found disturbing but illustrates how good comes from something bad was Prader-Willie which tells the story of three boys left to watch a girl with special needs. The story shows that things aren’t always what they seem. Dark Blessings is psychological horror at its best and I look forward to reading more from John Paul Allen.
April 15, 2012
The initial story, “Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow,” chilled me-unexpectedly. So much the better, since the “scare” (aka “the yuck element”) wasn’t telegraphed. Kind of glad I no longer drive around those particular mountainous regions, looking for a place to refuel. This was a very different perspective, far from the routine and overdone “backwoods” approach so often seen and read. Very well attuned! But the chills don’t stop after the first story-oh, no! Every single entry in this collection is very well-written, very perceptive about peeling away that sheer veneer of civilization, and aptly introduced by real-life events that have served as inspiration. For example, I found “Hello Neighbor” every iota as chilling-perhaps more so-than the unexpected frights of “Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow.” This collection also contains the popular “House Guest” and the equally disturbing and thought-provoking “Weeping Mary,” a tale I’m not likely to forget.
One persistent thought that I come away is that the author, John Paul Allen, simply sets these concepts before the reader, and lets the reader discern what to make of each one. There’s no over-inflated attempt to convince, or convict, or sway the reader’s beliefs or attention. He simply says: “Look, this is how I found this situation. Now you, reader, decide for yourself.” I found myself pausing during and between each story, letting the prior story settle into my recollection, before moving on. Although I read this in one sitting, I would recommend not doing so: take your time, take it easy, read a story at a time. Then let that story grow on you-fill your thoughts and inspire your dreams.
One persistent thought that I come away is that the author, John Paul Allen, simply sets these concepts before the reader, and lets the reader discern what to make of each one. There’s no over-inflated attempt to convince, or convict, or sway the reader’s beliefs or attention. He simply says: “Look, this is how I found this situation. Now you, reader, decide for yourself.” I found myself pausing during and between each story, letting the prior story settle into my recollection, before moving on. Although I read this in one sitting, I would recommend not doing so: take your time, take it easy, read a story at a time. Then let that story grow on you-fill your thoughts and inspire your dreams.
August 12, 2012
One thing I can say without a doubt is that John Paul Allen can write with the best of them. His characters are real people. They have flaws as well as admirable qualities, and we have met them. They are our neighbours, people we grew up with and quite possibly, ourselves.
Hello Neighbor is a highlight for me. Bentley Little could have written this one. Such finesse and raw talent is in this story, it makes me smile thinking about it. Brilliant tale.
Marquee is another favourite; dark, eerie, but runs rich with a depth of spirituality.
Hello Neighbor is a highlight for me. Bentley Little could have written this one. Such finesse and raw talent is in this story, it makes me smile thinking about it. Brilliant tale.
Marquee is another favourite; dark, eerie, but runs rich with a depth of spirituality.
May 9, 2012
It's a rare thing for me to read an entire short story collection in one sitting. In most cases, stories are hit and miss and when one lets me down, I move on to something else and come back to the collection later. With Dark Blessings, I did not have this problem. Each of the seven stories by John Paul Allen are winners - hitting the ball right out of the ballpark.
Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow is a truly unique little revenge story.
Runs Like Rabbit leaves you pondering what you are capable of when giving up self
Hello Neighbor - you might see where this is going, but it will still leave you in a state of shock and awe
Marquee - a horror story but not in the normal sense of the word. This left me with tears in my eyes.
Prader Willie - well we all know how cruel kids can be to each other, especially if one is different - but the ending of this one left me thinking - serves him right
Weeping Mary - Had already left a four star rating on this individually, but will up it to five here, since the formatting issues are fixed.
House Guest - this one is just sick and twisted - a great way to end the collection.
One of the nice touches Mr. Allen has in this collection is giving the reader an idea of where the stories came from. (And this is an idea I may steal for my next collection of shorts). Doing this allows the reader to forego the usual question "I wonder where he gets his ideas".
Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow is a truly unique little revenge story.
Runs Like Rabbit leaves you pondering what you are capable of when giving up self
Hello Neighbor - you might see where this is going, but it will still leave you in a state of shock and awe
Marquee - a horror story but not in the normal sense of the word. This left me with tears in my eyes.
Prader Willie - well we all know how cruel kids can be to each other, especially if one is different - but the ending of this one left me thinking - serves him right
Weeping Mary - Had already left a four star rating on this individually, but will up it to five here, since the formatting issues are fixed.
House Guest - this one is just sick and twisted - a great way to end the collection.
One of the nice touches Mr. Allen has in this collection is giving the reader an idea of where the stories came from. (And this is an idea I may steal for my next collection of shorts). Doing this allows the reader to forego the usual question "I wonder where he gets his ideas".
January 26, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars
. . . for I have sinned - Must Read Dark Blessings
February 2, 2012
This review is from: Dark Blessings: A Collection (Kindle Edition)
John Paul Allen wrestles with the horror of humanity and leaves the reader gasping, as they grapple with their own responses to these vivid short masterpieces.
Allen has the ability to transport the reader to a place where fear, love, loss, and horror, are deeply ingrained in the words and imagery he so skillfully creates. Hard to nail down, hard to put down, John Paul Allen's words will envelop your senses and fill your mind with worlds and people too real not to believe. For within the characters and places, the reader will find real horror alongside real humanity, and that is why you should read these stories. If nothing else, this is true horror, in its most believable and harrowing guise and this is what makes Allen one of the most interesting and unique writers in the genre.
Surprisingly, and most welcome, is the feeling of hope one is left with after reading Allen's haunted prose. Despite the horror, pain, and the turgid subject matter he deals with in most of his stories, John Paul Allen's horror is filled with a sense of humanity and emotional realism, that will leave the reader thinking and feeling, long after the last page has been turned. Like any of Mr Allen's books, I highly recommend this one.
. . . for I have sinned - Must Read Dark Blessings
February 2, 2012
This review is from: Dark Blessings: A Collection (Kindle Edition)
John Paul Allen wrestles with the horror of humanity and leaves the reader gasping, as they grapple with their own responses to these vivid short masterpieces.
Allen has the ability to transport the reader to a place where fear, love, loss, and horror, are deeply ingrained in the words and imagery he so skillfully creates. Hard to nail down, hard to put down, John Paul Allen's words will envelop your senses and fill your mind with worlds and people too real not to believe. For within the characters and places, the reader will find real horror alongside real humanity, and that is why you should read these stories. If nothing else, this is true horror, in its most believable and harrowing guise and this is what makes Allen one of the most interesting and unique writers in the genre.
Surprisingly, and most welcome, is the feeling of hope one is left with after reading Allen's haunted prose. Despite the horror, pain, and the turgid subject matter he deals with in most of his stories, John Paul Allen's horror is filled with a sense of humanity and emotional realism, that will leave the reader thinking and feeling, long after the last page has been turned. Like any of Mr Allen's books, I highly recommend this one.
May 8, 2013
These are some scary, thought provoking stories. Perhaps my favorite part of the book was that John introduced each story with a little summary about how he got the idea and why he wrote the story. He told some pretty personal and revealing tales about himself. His revelations gave the stories in the book more emotional weight.
Dark Blessings is good sampling of John’s work. I enjoyed “Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow,” in which a con artist couple get a nasty lashing with the karma stick. “Prader Willie” was a disturbing tale about learning empathy for those less fortunate with an ending I won’t soon forget. Each story in this collection spooked me in a different way.
Dark Blessings is good sampling of John’s work. I enjoyed “Pit Stop at Hoo Hoo Hollow,” in which a con artist couple get a nasty lashing with the karma stick. “Prader Willie” was a disturbing tale about learning empathy for those less fortunate with an ending I won’t soon forget. Each story in this collection spooked me in a different way.
July 10, 2012
The title is very aptly named.
Since this is my first 'Collection' to read and review, I'll just give my overall impression.
I love how Mr. Allen introduced each piece with a bit of personal history and set them up for the reader. Even though Dark bodies of work are not my personal reading preference, I really like Mr. Allen's ability to go beyond the Darkness and draw the reader into the mindset of the main characters.
I will note here that the last body of work is 'House Guest' which I already have done a separate review for.
Disclaimer: I won this book and the review stated above is my own personal opinion and not in any way requested by the publishing company.
Since this is my first 'Collection' to read and review, I'll just give my overall impression.
I love how Mr. Allen introduced each piece with a bit of personal history and set them up for the reader. Even though Dark bodies of work are not my personal reading preference, I really like Mr. Allen's ability to go beyond the Darkness and draw the reader into the mindset of the main characters.
I will note here that the last body of work is 'House Guest' which I already have done a separate review for.
Disclaimer: I won this book and the review stated above is my own personal opinion and not in any way requested by the publishing company.
October 6, 2014
Come along into the scary,peculiar and bizarre world of Dark
Blessings!!!
This is a collections of short stories you will never forget.
The stories are harrowing and intense. The characters are interesting
in their own realm. This is strong, frightening read.
I received the ebook from the author. My opinion is my own.
Blessings!!!
This is a collections of short stories you will never forget.
The stories are harrowing and intense. The characters are interesting
in their own realm. This is strong, frightening read.
I received the ebook from the author. My opinion is my own.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews